National Reptile Zoo
| National Reptile Zoo | |
|---|---|
| Date opened | 2006 |
| Location | Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Owner | James Hennessy |
| Website | https://www.nrz.ie/ |
The National Reptile Zoo is a zoo in Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, Ireland. Its collection includes reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates;[1] it has 120 individual animals from over 50 species.[2]
Collection
The zoo's collection includes crocodiles, pythons, giant monitor lizards, geckos, poison dart frogs and tarantulas.[3]
The zoo has a night room exhibit with an artificially reversed day-night cycle, so that visitors can observe nocturnal animals while they are active.[4]
History
The zoo was built by James Hennessy, who leased a 2,000 square metre farm shed and built the first animal enclosures himself. It was originally named "Reptile Village". The zoo later changed its name and by 2015, it premises had expanded to an area of 6,000 square metres.[5]
In April 2019, a fire broke out at the zoo, killing a snake and injuring other animals. The zoo's anti-venom stock, which was the only anti-venom stock in Ireland, was also destroyed.[6] In May 2019, it was announced that the zoo would move to a larger location on the outskirts of Kilkenny city.[7]
In 2020, the zoo lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic and had to rely on public donations.[8] After adopting COVID-19 protections and social distancing, the zoo received a record number of visitors in 2022.[9]
References
- ^ "The National Reptile Zoo". Science Foundation Ireland.
- ^ "A Visitor's Guide to Reptile Village Zoo: The Only One In Ireland!". 6 February 2025.
- ^ "Alligator at National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny filmed stalking and lunging at camera". Irish Independent. 4 September 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Visit The National Reptile Zoo with Discover Ireland". Discover Ireland. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Snakes and ladders: the career slope of a builder turned zoo owner". Irish Independent. 2 April 2015. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Slater, Sarah (6 April 2019). "Several animals injured after fire at National Reptile Zoo in Co Kilkenny". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Now, Kilkenny (23 May 2019). "National Reptile Zoo to move to larger premises near Kilkenny city".
- ^ "National Reptile Zoo appeals for help as Covid-19 wipes income". The Irish Times.
- ^ Cody, Mary (12 January 2022). "National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny continues to thrive in challenging times". www.kilkennypeople.ie.