Rattlesnakes, deadly African and Asian vipers, bizarre tree snakes from Madagascar, and lemon yellow Eyelash Vipers are but a few of the many specimens to be observed. This exhibit is considered by many to be one of the best reptile houses in any zoological park. There are over 2600 species of snakes in the world today, and being the closest relatives to lizards, are found on every continent of the globe with the exception of Antarctica. Snakes generally are carnivores with diets consisting of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. A snake's diet has also been known to change over time, varying with the age of the snake itself.
Snakes occupy a wide range of habitats.
Regions such as mountains, oceans, deserts, rivers, swamps and marshes, tropical rainforests, plains and savannas are home to over 2600 species of snakes in the world today. Some snakes are tree-dwelling, some live in swamps, Blindsnakes live underground while others live in the water. Breeding varies by species. In all snakes fertilization is internal, some lay eggs while others give birth to live young. From the moment of birth, snakes are able to fend for themselves requiring no parental assistance whatsoever.