ARC - Aquarium Reptile Center

The Aquatic and Reptile Center (ARC) features many exhibits which house reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates from all over the world. The center of the ARC consists of the 55,000 gallon Lake Wisconsin Exhibit which is home to many of Wisconsin's native fish. Ocean lovers will enjoy the Pacific Coast, a 23,000 gallon exhibit of northern Pacific Ocean fish, including several species of shark. Smaller aquariums house moon jellies, anemones and a giant Pacific octopus. The African Lakes Aquarium, renovated in 2002, displays the fish life of Africa's "Great Lakes." The 55,000 gallon Flooded Amazon River is a favorite at the ARC. Schools of pacu, giant species of catfish and the peculiar arowana dwell here, along with our 100+ pound Amazon giant river turtle.The species of reptiles and amphibians is incredibly diverse. Visitors can see highly endangered species such as the Aruba island rattlesnake or Chinese alligators.

Guests also can view the snakes of Wisconsin to help identify our native species. Boas and pythons are very popular residents at the ARC. Green anaconda, boa constrictor, and, new since 2001, a beautiful pair of Boelen's pythons from the mountains of Papua New Guinea, are included in the collection. Few zoos exhibit these large, black and gold constrictors, but visitors are able to see them here. Some of the most dangerous venomous snakes including Gaboon vipers, spitting cobra, green mamba and king cobra also are exhibited at the ARC. Our new Black Tree Monitor Exhibit is quickly becoming a favorite of visitors as they watch these long, slender carnivores investigate their home. Our amphibians are interesting to watch as well. Small but beautiful, the poison-dart frogs are fascinating. The Surinam toads are captivating as they strike their food with lightning-like agility from a seemingly comatose posture.

The ARC also is involved with animals which are not on exhibit. For a number of years, Zoo staff have taken part in headstart programs with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to successfully raise and release endangered ornate box turtles into the wilds of Wisconsin. Other projects consist of fieldwork/research assistance with threatened populations of timber rattlesnakes and eastern massasaugas.

To find out more about the ARC, read the ARC Conservation Bulletin.