What is a reptile?
Reptiles are vertebrates, they have scaly skin that keeps their bodies from drying out, their young do not go through a larva stage like amphibians but instead look like small versions of the adults when they hatch. Reptiles are isotherms, so they must bask in the sun or find a warm spot to get warm and become active, and they must find shade or a cool spot to cool off. In cold conditions they become sluggish and don't move around much, and some enter a state of torpor or hibernation if it will be cold for a long time.
Reptile groups
There are four main groups of reptiles: turtles and tortoises; lizards and snakes; crocodiles and alligators; and the tuatara, the only species left from an ancient group of reptiles that goes back to the dinosaurs. Some reptiles spend most of their time in water, and many spend their time on land. Reptile species can be found in all types of habitats except polar ice and tundra.
Reptiles start life ready to go!
Most reptiles make nests or dig holes to lay their eggs in. Some, like crocodiles and alligators and some species of snakes, then stay to guard the nest and even help the hatchlings get started in life. But most mother reptiles leave the nest once the eggs are laid. The hatchlings are independent from the start and must find their own food and shelter.
Reptile record-setters
There are more than 6,500 known species of reptiles. The heaviest is the saltwater crocodile, weighing up to 2,000 pounds (908 kilograms). The smallest is the dwarf gecko, measuring only three-quarters of an inch (16 millimeters). The longest snake is the reticulated python, at up to 33 feet long (10.5 meters). The largest lizard is the Odom dragon, weighing up to 175 pounds (80 kilograms) and measuring up to 10 feet long (3 meters). Tortoises have the longest life span in the reptile order; some can live more than 150 years.
Gardens of Earthly delight
Welcome to the botanical gardens of the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park! You are not alone in your interest in the wealth of plant life that graces our grounds. San Diego's mild Mediterranean climate makes it possible to grow more different kinds of plants than almost anywhere else in the United States. With more than a million plants on a total of 1,900 acres (770 hectares) at the Zoo and the Safari Park, our grounds make up a truly world-class botanical garden and they have been recognized as such.
We're on a mission
Our horticulturists, tsarists, and gardeners have established themselves as among the best in the world at creating outstanding naturalistic habitats for exotic animals. They include world-class browse specialists, ranging from bamboo experts who grow and harvest a variety of bamboo species to keep our pandas healthy to eucalyptus experts who provide the freshest new growth for our koalas. Our staff often acts as a resource for other zoos, botanical gardens, and universities, and aids the scientists who come to our grounds to do research with rare and endangered plants. The Zoo and Park also act as "rescue centers" for rare and endangered plants. Our horticulture staff firmly believes that the lush and varied gardens they care for are not only critical for keeping our animals healthy and content, but are also crucial in helping to educate the public about biodiversity and the importance of habitat preservation. When visitors experience the beauty and uniqueness of one of our Asian, African, or Australian rain forest habitats and the animals that live in them, for example, they're more likely to take an interest in how such habitats can be saved in the wild.Wild Animal Park Entrance
A disclaimer
This plant section contains a number of anecdotes about how plants have been used historically or are still used by indigenous people. This is strictly for the education and entertainment of the reader. We make no claims as to the validity of any of these uses, especially the medicinal practices. Many plants with medicinal properties are also toxic; don't try any of the remedies unless you first check with a physician who has a background in botany.
Giant Snake Caught in Red Sea
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