Reptiland (Martel)
Reptiland has the finest collection of reptiles in Europe in a covered, air-conditioned space, open to the daylight.
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Reptiland, come and change your ideas about reptiles !
Reptiland has the finest collection of reptiles in Europe in a covered, air-conditioned space, open to the daylight. It has more than 200 specimens of over 100 species of snakes, crocodiles, lizards, monitor lizards, iguanas, turtles, tarantulas and scorpions. It also has the largest collection of venomous reptiles in France. The animals are tranquil, cautious, clean and beautiful to look at in the daylight. Reptiland has close links with its colleagues in North America and Mexico. Every year, new species are introduced.
This animal park is unusual in that the reptiles are shown in daylight and have been trained not to be afraid of the public. This is done by never intervening from the viewing side of the enclosure, so the animals see the glass as an unalterable part of their home. It is a long drawn out operation which resulted from one man’s fear of snakes. François Gouygou wanted to understand why the sight of a snake made him feel so afraid. After a long period of observation and disturbing discoveries, he became passionate about the animals to such a degree that he turned his home into the centre of his hobby with a library and terrariums and aquariums under the stairs ! Many years later, to share his knowledge and love of reptiles with the public, he set up Reptileland with his wife in 1990.
The vivarium is divided into different climatic areas, recreating animal habitats. There are snakes, crocodiles, lizards, turtles and lots more, all chosen for their beauty which is enhanced by the natural light. The aim is to present a different image of reptiles. Visitors can watch the keepers handling and feeding the animals all day long. Other inhabitants which suffer from a negative image include tarantulas and scorpions.
Reptiland - an interactive animal park.
The animals are fed in public throughout the day and staff give explanations to visitors all the time. Cleaning and treatment is done inside the glass enclosures, but within the view of the public. Reptiland does not want to preach but feels it has a duty to give advice on caring for animals in a serious, responsible way, for the well-being of both animals and future owners. You’d like a python? It’s better to have a corn snake. You dream of having an iguana ? Maybe start off with a skink ! These animals have fewer constraints so are easier to begin with.
Those with phobias will discover another vision of reptiles meaning that, with a little bit of willpower, fears (of snakes and/or spiders) will lessen right from the first visit. Hundreds of people, 75% of them women, have said they no longer feel afraid when they see a snake.
Useful information about visiting Reptiland
A little tip. Out of season, when there are not many visitors the staff help you to get very close to a snake. The team members are totally dedicated to the reptiles and their way of life. They are enthusiastic about sharing their passion so that visitors change their ideas about the world of reptiles.
Another tip. There are info leaflets about all the different animals at the entrance to each building to introduce you to this fascinating world.
Reptiland is open in February, March, April, May, June : Tuesday-Sunday plus public holidays, 10.00 -18.00.
July and August : every day 10.00 – 18.30. September, October, November : Tuesday-Sunday plus public holidays, 10.00 -18.00.
Reptiland is in Martel, 25 minutes from Rocamadour and Padirac.
Discover the Lot with Gîtes de France Lot : Cahors, Rocamadour, Gouffre de Padirac, Grotte du Pech Merle (Cabrerets), Figeac, Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux (Prudhomat)"
