What began as a passion for herpetologist George Van Horn is now a research facility that is open to the public. It is the Reptile World Serpentarium
In fact, George has more than 400 snakes living in his own home.
Twice daily, he milks them for their venom in order to make anti-venom and save lives.
"We call this the snake room,” George told Scott.
“Why's that?” Scott asked.
With country tunes blaring in the background, George's moves in the snake room are choreographed perfectly.
"You catch the snake and you let them bite a collecting bar and let them inject their venom," George said.
The giant sign off U.S. Highway Interstate 92 gives you a pretty good idea of what is lurking inside George's operation.
"We're a snake farming operation," George said.
The venom released looks a bit like orange juice, but it is used to make anti-venom.
In 1972, The Reptile World Serpentarium in St. Cloud started providing snake venom to research facilities. Curiosity led George to open the doors to the public in 1976.
"I'm living my dream, which is lucky,” George said.
But George's dream was Scott's nightmare as he came face-to-face with a snake.
"I fear these creatures," Scott said.
"Oh, Lord!” Scott shouted.
"You're OK," Van Horn said.
“That's me running the camera -- two feet away from a ticked off cobra,” Scott said.
Visitors won't get as close as Scott did. They are safely located behind a glass wall. But George was quick to share the non-venomous variety and put frightened guests like Scott at ease.
"Not all the snakes out here are venomous. If you're lucky, George just might let you cuddle up with them," Scott said.
A couple of brothers tried their luck at holding a snake.
"If you drop that thing, I am outta here!" one brother said.
"I am not going to drop it,” the other brother said.
“I will run and scream,” the first brother said.
If you are like this family, there are other exhibits for folks who don't like snakes.
"Also at home here are several different species of turtles who love handouts. Everything from a Spur-Thighed Tortoise to a Yellow Belly Cooter,” Scott said.
“The gators are known for hatching babies and a community of iguanas loves to stare back at you. But it's the more than 400 snakes that headline this attraction,” Scott said.
"Woah! He's coming towards me," George said.
“Better you than me," Scott said.
Venom shows take place Tuesday through Sunday at noon and again at 3 p.m.
You can find the Reptile World Serpentarium located on Interstate 92 outside St. Cloud.
If you would like to see an extended version of this adventure or other Travel Adventures with Scott Fais check out Central Florida On Demand at no extra cost. Visit channel 300 on your digital cable and select Travel and then Florida on a Tankful.
Reptile World Serpentarium
Where:
St. Cloud
Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Monday
Closed entire month of September
Address:
5705 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (also known as State Highway 192)
St. Cloud, Fl 34771
Phone:
(407) 892-6905
Admission:
Adults (ages 18 and above): $5.75
Students (ages 6-17) : $4.75
Children (ages 3-5): $3.75
Web sites:
http://www.theotherorlando.com/contents/chapters/15/reptile.html
http://search.cityguide.aol.com/orlando/entertainment/reptile-world-serpentarium/v-65560
Central Florida Directions :
Expect a 45 minute drive when using Orlando as a reference point.
From your part of Central Florida, jump on FLORIDA'S TURNPIKE (also known as SR-91)
Take the US-192 East / US-441 South exit, EXIT 244. Signs will read toward “ST. CLOUD.”
Turn LEFT onto East IRLO BRONSON MEMORIAL HWY (also known as US-192 East, Or US-441South Or East SPACE COAST PKWY).
Stay on East IRLO BRONSON MEMORIAL HWY (or whatever you would like to call it) for 9.69 miles.
Then, you will see the big blue and orange sign. Yep. It sports a snake on it!
End at 5705 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
Saint Cloud, FL 34771-8718, US
Directions from Tampa Bay:
Expect a 1 hour, 45 minute drive from Tampa Bay
From your part of Tampa Bay, jump on I-4 headed East towards Orlando and Lakeland.
Pass Lakeland.
Just northeast of the new Reunion complex, take EXIT 62 toward SR-417 North / DISNEY WORLD / CELEBRATION / INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
Merge onto FL-417 N / CENTRAL FLORIDA GREENEWAY toward INT'L AIRPORT / SANFORD
Be ready. You’ll pay tolls to travel on three miles of this road.
Take the OSCEOLA PKWY exit- EXIT 3.
Turn RIGHT onto West OSCEOLA PKWY. Get ready. There’s more tolls for the next 8.5 miles.
Next, follow the signs to FLORIDA'S TURNPIKE.
Merge onto FLORIDA'S TURNPIKE / SR-91 headed SOUTH. Yep. There are portions that are toll roads here.
Take the US-192 E / US-441 S exit- EXIT 244- toward ST. CLOUD.
Turn LEFT onto East IRLO BRONSON MEMORIAL HWY (also known as US-192 East, Or US-441South Or East SPACE COAST PKWY).
Stay on East IRLO BRONSON MEMORIAL HWY (or whatever you would like to call it) for 9.69 miles.
Then, you will see the big blue and orange sign. Yep. It sports a snake on it!
End at 5705 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
Saint Cloud, FL 34771-8718, US