Cape Fear Serpentarium (WARNING - PIC HEAVY)

I had the chance to take my family to the Dean Ripa's Cape Fear Serpentarium in Wilmington, NC this past Saturday. So here are my thoughts on the visit and, what you really wanted to see... a few selected pics!

Overall, it was an awesome visit. It's not a big facility, but I was impressed with the number of displays and animals. Mostly I appreciate the time, effort & money it took to allow the public to see animals which most of us would never otherwise see (for a nominal fee, cash only).

There was a focus on how dangerous and or deadly many of the animals are. I don't feel like the animals were villified or misrepresented in any way, but I'm always concerned about anything that raises peoples already irrational fear of many of these amazing creatures. I guess the bottom line is the danger factor is what sells tickets.

The only thing that I questioned was the large display in the lobby on "chemtrails". It's Dean's business, and he is certainly free to express any of his beliefs, but it was more than a little conspiracy-theory/full blown paranoia for my tastes.

Anyway, I really enjoyed my visit. If any of you get the chance, it's well worth a few hours & $8. So, here are the pics.

This guy was an absolute monster. I sooo want one...

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/...m/DSCF0837.jpg

I tried to put my hand in the picture for perspective, but it didn't turn out so well. This green anaconda was almost as thick as a telephone pole.

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/...m/DSCF0839.jpg

The Western Green Mamba

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/...m/DSCF0841.jpg

The head on this Gaboon was just huge. It's hard for me to imagine someone wanting to own one.

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/...m/DSCF0842.jpg

The King Cobra!

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/...m/DSCF0844.jpg

Eastern Green Mamba

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/...m/DSCF0846.jpg

I can still hear Steve Irwin talking about the Fierce Snake or Taipan. The most venemous snake in the world.

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/...m/DSCF0851.jpg

Finally, the Black Mamba

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/...m/DSCF0852.jpg

Hope you enjoyed!!

Cool pics, thanks for sharing.

Those are some beautiful snakes, sounds like you had fun.

Great pictures. I've been down there while scuba diving. Next time, I'm going to have to schedule a side trip!

Nice pics! I went here 3 summers ago with my grandfather while visiting my grandparents in New Bern.

I highly reccommend the visit to anyone in the area. Its very cool. When i was there the burm was shedding. It was really cool to watch that.

Those are some beautiful animals! If I am ever in the area I will have to stop by, for sure.

Wow, great pictures,! That western green mamba looks like rope! beautiful, all of them!:D