Our Reptiles

reptile bios

Meet a few of our ambassador animals! Highlighted animals will be changed and added periodically, so check back to see your favorite!

We have over 65 unique reptile species on exhibit at the museum- this includes turtles, tortoises, lizards, and snakes!

Burmese python

Say "hello" to Thor, our large male Burmese python (Python bivittatus). This species has been portrayed in a very negative light due to the invasive population impacting the Florida Everglades. However, they are an intelligent, social, and usually friendly species. Come see Thor at the museum as well as an amazing display detailing Burmese python anatomy!

western hognose snake

Meet Benjamin B. Boop! He is a male Western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus). Mr. B. Boop belongs to a facisnating species: they have evolved to "pop" toads , display Batesian mimicry, and burrow with their upturned snout! You'll usually find Benjamin cruising around his enclosure, or snuggled tightly into his favorite thing in the world: his kapok seed pod.

Rosy boa
rosy boa

Briar is our male Rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata). Rosy boas are one of only two species in the family Boidae native to the United States. You can tell exactly where a Rosy boa is from based on the color and patterns they display.

beauty rat snake
taiwan beauty snake

Also known as the cave racer (Elaphe taeniura), these snakes are a subspecies of rat snake that live only in Taiwan. Brightly colored with striking yellow and black patterning, beauty snakes truly live up to their name. Trogo is an extremely adept climber and is active and inquisitive.

carpet chameleon

Carpet chameleons (Furcifer lateralis) are a small species of chameleon native to eastern Madagascar. Karipetra (which means "carpet" in Malagasy) is a spunky female carpet chameleon. She can drastically change her coloration, not to camouflage, but to communicate and express her mood.

african side neck turtle

P.D. (which stands for pleurodira) is an African side neck turtle. His outgoing personality and permanent smile make him a fast favorite at the museum! Learn all about pleurodira and cryptodira in our testudine room!

Why reptiles

Reptiles are an often misunderstood class of creatures. In fact, ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) is one of the most common fears. We believe proper education and positive experiences are the best remedies to improve public perception of these wonderful animals. 

What we do

My Three Chambered Heart exists to spread knowledge and awareness of herpetology through museum exhibits, research, community outreach, and hands-on experiences with reptiles.