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  1. #1
    BPnet Royalty dakski's Avatar
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    Riverside Reptiles Education Center - Enfield, CT

    A local gentleman, Brian Kleinman, who has been doing educational shows, etc. in our area for years, just opened up a Reptile Education Center/Zoo in my home town of Enfield, CT. Katie and I got a family membership early on in the process and spent some time speaking with him and staff. Well, this weekend was opening weekend for members only, and they officially open next weekend.

    Wow, what a cool place. Some amazing setups and some amazing animals with more to come.

    https://www.riversidereptileseducationcenter.com

    https://www.facebook.com/riversidere...ucationcenter/

    Pics below of some of the animals, but nowhere near everything he's got.

    I want to say the staff was incredibly nice and knowledgeable, and Brian spent 10 minutes with me troubleshooting Behira's shedding issue (and we both agreed if it's improving and she's pounding food and growing, let it be) and just talking reptiles.

    I will definitely be taking advantage of my membership.

    If anyone in MA or CT, or wherever, want to spend a fun time looking at some unique critters, including many we really cannot keep or don't want the responsibility for at home, I highly recommend Riverside Reptiles Education Center.

    If you head, down, let me know, I am not far and it would be fun to meet up as well.


    Spitting Cobra


    Brenda the Alligator




    Percy, Male Burm


    Eastern Diamondback and Albino Western Diamondback




    Copperhead



    Beauty Snakes



    Dwarf Caiman's



    Asian Water Monitor



    Pygmy Rattlesnakes


  2. The Following 10 Users Say Thank You to dakski For This Useful Post:

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  3. #2
    Registered User SunshineWalker's Avatar
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    Re: Riverside Reptiles Education Center - Enfield, CT

    Well now they don't have to go... you showed them all the reptiles.

    Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

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  5. #3
    BPnet Royalty dakski's Avatar
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    Re: Riverside Reptiles Education Center - Enfield, CT

    Quote Originally Posted by SunshineWalker View Post
    Well now they don't have to go... you showed them all the reptiles.

    Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk
    Not even close. Besides, it’s different in person.

  6. #4
    BPnet Royalty dakski's Avatar
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    Re: Riverside Reptiles Education Center - Enfield, CT

    I made a return visit to Riverside Reptiles today. There were a few more animals added as they are officially open now. I also took some pictures of a few animals I didn't get good shots of last time.

    I cannot say enough how clean and well maintained the facility is and how well cared for the animals look.



    Cottonmouth



    Mata Mata



    Green Mamba



    Retics



    Green Anacondas



    King Cobra



    Gila Monsters



    The Asian Water Monitor Exhibit - What a great setup!


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  8. #5
    Registered User Reptile$ 4 Life's Avatar
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    Re: Riverside Reptiles Education Center - Enfield, CT

    I wish my area had something like that. I'll have to stop by if I am ever out there.
    1.0 Normal Ball Python (Flicker)
    1.2 Southern Alligator Liazrds (Wraith, Magma & Annie)
    0.1 Western Skink (Stella)
    1.1 Leopard Geckos (Leo & Jade)

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  10. #6
    BPnet Lifer Bogertophis's Avatar
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    Wow, looks like they did a really BEAUTIFUL job building that place! I'm very impressed...& you're very lucky to have this nearby.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
    Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)

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  12. #7
    BPnet Lifer Reinz's Avatar
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    What an awesome place! Thanks for the pics.
    The one thing I found that you can count on about Balls is that they are consistent about their inconsistentcy.

    1.2 Coastal Carpet Pythons
    Mack The Knife, 2013
    Lizzy, 2010
    Etta, 2013
    1.1 Jungle Carpet Pythons
    Esmarelda , 2014
    Sundance, 2012
    2.0 Common BI Boas, Punch, 2005; Butch, age?
    0.1 Normal Ball Python, Elvira, 2001
    0.1 Olive (Aussie) Python, Olivia, 2017

    Please excuse the spelling in my posts. Auto-Correct is my worst enema.

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  14. #8
    BPnet Royalty dakski's Avatar
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    Re: Riverside Reptiles Education Center - Enfield, CT

    Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    Wow, looks like they did a really BEAUTIFUL job building that place! I'm very impressed...& you're very lucky to have this nearby.
    Quote Originally Posted by Reinz View Post
    What an awesome place! Thanks for the pics.
    I too am impressed.

    It's great that it's nearby and the place is really amazing. I am just happy to see education on reptiles done right. Not just the interactions the staff has with the guests, which is great (they are knowledgeable and friendly) and often interactive as they (sometimes) walk around with animals to show people, but the way the place is kept. The exhibits are well maintained and the animals are healthy.

    In my mind, that is really important because it shows people the proper ways to keep reptiles. No, not everyone can have a 20'X15' enclosure with a pool for their giant constrictor, or their asian water monitor, or even anything approaching that. However, showing proper cleanliness, proper diet, etc. is great.

    Very often in pet stores, and even zoos I've been to, the focus isn't as much on education and on the animals' health and well being.

    I really cannot say enough how impressed I am with this place.

    I should add it's nice to see grown retics, anacondas, etc. in these nice setups as well because it might discourage some people from getting a cute baby retic knowing what it can grow into. It would be nice if some people used restraint when purchasing reptiles that are demanding, dangerous, or just plain old too big for most people to handle without help.

    It is cool that Brian, the owner, built the center as much for him, or so it seems, as for the public/guests. He really seems to love all these animals and be proud to give them proper homes and care.

    I was talking to him today about the female green mamba. She is gorgeous, by the way, and doesn't even seem real (I'll have to get better pictures). Stunning animal. Anyway, he (obvisouly) uses great care when interacting with her, but talks about her personality and tendencies from a place of respect and love.

    I guess I'll have to live vicariously through him and the center because my blood pressure and pulse go through the roof feeding Behira when she's a hungry boa. I am not a cool enough character to play with big constrictors or the venomous snakes. I know that. I get a rush other ways Brian might think is crazy (racing cars, motorcycle riding, etc.), but have huge respect for him and other people who do keep those type of animals.

    Again, I just wish more people realized their own limitations. Having said that, Brian pushed the envelope and has a great place to show for it.

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  16. #9
    Registered User Reptile$ 4 Life's Avatar
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    Re: Riverside Reptiles Education Center - Enfield, CT

    Please post more pics when you get the chance! I love green mambas!
    1.0 Normal Ball Python (Flicker)
    1.2 Southern Alligator Liazrds (Wraith, Magma & Annie)
    0.1 Western Skink (Stella)
    1.1 Leopard Geckos (Leo & Jade)

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  18. #10
    BPnet Senior Member Kam's Avatar
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    Re: Riverside Reptiles Education Center - Enfield, CT

    That is awesome! Thanks for sharing the pics.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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