Black Hills home to hundreds of reptile species [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Located just six miles south of Rapid City, Reptile Gardens is home to a couple hundred reptile species and has been a tourist attraction for more than half of a century.

“It’s kind of a crazy thing having the World’s largest collection of reptiles in South Dakota,” said John Brockelsby, public relations, Reptile Gardens.

Brockelsby’s father Earl Brockelsby was considered a “snake enthusiast,” and was fascinated by people’s interest in snakes, this would prompt the opening of Reptile Gardens.

“Reptile Gardens is a business that my father started in 1937, so this is our 87-year,” said Brockelsby.

Reptile Gardens started as just a small building at the end of Skyline Drive in Rapid City.

In 1965 Reptile Gardens would move due to the construction of a new highway.

“Everything has just gone great since then,” Brockelsby said.

One exhibit you might not expect here at Reptile Gardens is the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog exhibit.

Although …