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The countdown is on for the Reptile Zoo in Monroe, which will sadly close its doors for good on October 18 after almost 30 years of serving as a unique family attraction. Owner Isaac Peterson recently shared that the zoo faced insurmountable financial challenges spurred by inflation and the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Who knew that snakes could spiral into budget woes? It seems like even reptiles aren’t immune to economic struggles, leading to this heartbreaking goodbye.
In a light-hearted segment on “The Jake and Spike Show,” Peterson showcased Linguine, a gorgeous 10-foot albino Burmese python that stole the spotlight. While the zoo has had its share of impressive critters, like a two-headed turtle and a black mamba, it’s tough for the community to see such an iconic place fade away. On the bright side, Peterson’s family educational shows will continue, proving that life can pop up like a snake from a tangle of weeds.
It’s a bittersweet moment—while we might shed a tear for the Reptile Zoo itself, we can still bask in the success of its educational programs. After all, who wouldn’t want to learn about reptiles while they’re snuggled up with a snake? What’s your favorite memory from visiting a zoo? Share yours in the comments!
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