Zookeeper Exotics Introduce
For pet enthusiasts across Texas, particularly those with a passion for the unique and unconventional, finding a specialized pet store that truly understands the intricacies of exotic animal care is an absolute necessity. In Austin, Texas, Zookeeper Exotics stands as a beloved institution and a true gem for the Central Texas community. With decades of experience, this remarkable pet shop has been the go-to destination for everything related to reptiles, amphibians, spiders, and other fascinating creatures. Zookeeper Exotics isn't just a place to buy a pet; it's a hub of knowledge, a source of essential supplies, and a testament to the passionate care that exotic animals deserve. For Texans looking to embark on the rewarding journey of exotic pet ownership or simply seeking to provide the best for their existing unique companions, Zookeeper Exotics offers unparalleled expertise and selection.
Zookeeper Exotics has earned its stellar reputation by consistently providing a clean, well-kept environment for its animals and an extensive array of products. From the moment you step inside, the dedication to animal welfare is evident. Customers frequently highlight the joyful sight of "well fed, freshly bathed" baby birds that "will coo at you if you speak to them," clearly showing they are "well loved." This attention to detail extends to their comprehensive inventory, which includes a vast selection of live and frozen feeder insects and rodents—a critical resource for many exotic pet diets. Furthermore, their impressive collection of terrarium plants, including exotic orchids, allows enthusiasts to create thriving and aesthetically pleasing habitats. For decades, Zookeeper Exotics has been a cornerstone for the exotic pet community in Central Texas, cementing its status as "the best, and one of the only reptile pet shops" of its kind, and a truly unique asset for Texas pet owners.
Zookeeper Exotics is conveniently located at 9012 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758, USA. This location on Research Boulevard (US Highway 183) provides excellent accessibility for customers throughout Austin and the broader Central Texas region. Research Boulevard is a major north-south artery in Austin, making it straightforward for visitors coming from various parts of the city, including North Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and even those from further south or east who can easily access it via major highways. The store's placement within a commercial area ensures ample parking and easy navigation. For Texans dedicated to their exotic pets, this central and accessible location minimizes travel time, ensuring that critical supplies like live feeders or specialized habitat items are always within reach, reinforcing Zookeeper Exotics' role as a vital resource in the Texas exotic pet community.
Zookeeper Exotics offers a specialized range of products and services tailored specifically for exotic pet owners, distinguishing itself from conventional pet stores:
Exotic Animal Sales: They are renowned for their wide selection of reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises), amphibians (frogs, salamanders), spiders, and other arachnids (tarantulas, scorpions). They also stock various birds, including baby birds, and occasionally other more exotic small mammals like hedgehogs or sugar gliders. They often prioritize captive-born animals and aim to use local or Texas breeders.
Feeder Insects and Rodents: Zookeeper Exotics carries an extensive supply of both live and frozen feeder insects (e.g., crickets, mealworms, superworms, hornworms, Dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae) and rodents (mice, rats). This is a crucial service for owners of insectivorous or carnivorous exotic pets, with customers often noting competitive pricing compared to chain stores.
Terrarium and Vivarium Supplies: They offer a large selection of supplies necessary for creating and maintaining appropriate habitats for exotic pets. This includes various substrates, decor items like driftwood and rocks, specialized lighting, heating elements, and humidity control devices. They are also known for carrying a range of live terrarium plants, including specific varieties like orchids, to create bioactive setups.
Expert Advice and Guidance: The staff at Zookeeper Exotics are highly knowledgeable about the care requirements for the diverse range of animals they sell. They are dedicated to ensuring that customers purchasing animals understand how to care for them properly, offering valuable insights on habitat setup, diet, and general husbandry.
Pet Boarding (Exotics Only): Zookeeper Exotics provides boarding services specifically for exotic pets (no dogs or cats), offering a safe and appropriate environment for animals when their owners are away. This is a specialized service not commonly found at general pet boarding facilities.
Animal Welfare and Maintenance: The store emphasizes maintaining a clean and well-kept environment for all their animals. This includes diligent feeding schedules, regular cleaning of enclosures, and ensuring animals appear healthy and vibrant, as noted by customer reviews about their well-cared-for baby birds.
Zookeeper Exotics stands out as a unique and invaluable resource for the Austin and Central Texas community due to several compelling features and highlights:
Specialized Focus on Exotics: Unlike general pet stores, Zookeeper Exotics is exclusively dedicated to reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, birds, and select exotic mammals. This specialization ensures a deep level of knowledge, a curated selection of appropriate products, and staff who are genuinely passionate and experienced in the care of these unique animals.
Long-Standing Local Authority: Having been a part of the Austin landscape for decades, with some customers visiting for "decades at different locations," Zookeeper Exotics has built a formidable reputation as "one of the only reptile pet shops in Central Texas." This longevity speaks to their consistent quality and reliability.
Vast Feeder and Supply Selection: Their "extensive supply of feeder insects and rodents, both living and frozen," is a major highlight for exotic pet owners, who often struggle to find diverse and high-quality food sources. Additionally, their "large selection of terrarium plants, including orchids," supports enthusiasts in creating enriching and naturalistic habitats.
Clean and Well-Kept Environment: Customers consistently praise the store for being "always clean and well kept," noting that the animals, including baby birds, are "well fed, freshly bathed and will coo at you," showing they are "clearly well loved." This dedication to animal welfare is evident and reassuring.
Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: The employees are highly commended for being "friendly and informed," going out of their way to engage with customers and provide expert advice on animal care. Their passion for exotics is palpable, making visits informative and enjoyable.
"Zoo-Like" Experience for Visitors: Even if you're not planning a purchase, Zookeeper Exotics offers an entertaining and educational experience. It's described as "as much fun as a zoo," with a constantly changing selection of animals that welcome visitors who are "just there to look," creating a no-pressure, engaging atmosphere.
Iconic Resident Animals (Historically): While not always a permanent fixture, the store has gained fame for hosting unique resident animals, such as a rescue sloth named Sophia and her iguana companion. These attractions enhance the visitor experience and highlight the store's dedication to animal welfare and providing proper care for even challenging species.
For inquiries, product availability, or to simply connect with Zookeeper Exotics, you can reach them through the following contact information:
Address: 9012 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758, USA
Phone: (512) 453-8800
Mobile Phone: +1 512-453-8800
It's always a good idea to call ahead for specific animal availability or to inquire about particular supplies.
Zookeeper Exotics is an unparalleled destination for locals across Texas, especially those in Austin and the surrounding Central Texas region, who have a keen interest in exotic pets. For Texans looking beyond conventional dogs and cats, this specialized pet shop provides a unique and comprehensive resource that is simply unmatched by general pet stores. Its decades-long presence in the community signifies a deep understanding and commitment to the niche world of exotic animal care, offering not just a wide array of fascinating creatures but also the crucial knowledge, supplies, and feeders needed to ensure their well-being. The consistently clean environment, healthy animals, and highly knowledgeable staff create a trustworthy and engaging experience. Whether you're a seasoned exotic pet owner or just curious about the captivating world of reptiles, amphibians, and birds, Zookeeper Exotics offers an educational and fulfilling visit, solidifying its place as Austin's premier and most suitable resource for all things exotic pet-related in the Lone Star State.
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Zookeeper Exotics Location
Zookeeper Exotics
9012 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758, USA
Zookeeper Exotics Reviews
Zookeeper is the best, and one of the only reptile pet shops in Central Texas. I’ve been coming here for decades at different locations and they are the best place to go for any sort of reptile, amphibian, spider, or arachnid needs. They also have birds, and sometimes other more exotic mammals. They have an extensive supply of feeder, insects and rodents, both living and frozen. And they have a large selection of terrarium plants, including orchids.
Feb 22, 2025 · Steve TakataWas in Zookeepers yesterday. Place is always clean and well kept. The baby birds were a joy to see. Well fed, freshly bathed and will coo at you if you speak to them. They are clearly well loved!
Jun 02, 2025 · Sherry WallaceI’ve been visiting Zookeeper Exotics for nearly 20 years now. Recently I got back into the exotic animal hobby again, and had them build me a custom bioactive enclosure for two leachie geckos. They went above and beyond with it, and I (and the geckos) could not be happier with how it turned out!Best exotic pet store I’ve been to in TX. Great staff, great inventory, great prices. Highly recommend!
Feb 05, 2025 · Steven WolfeWe had a fantastic visit to Zookeeper Exotics with my kids! This place is perfect if you’re looking for an up-close experience with both cute, furry animals and fascinating, scaley ones. The staff were friendly and welcoming, happily answering our many questions. I was impressed by how well-maintained the enclosures were, and the whole space was clean and organized.The kids loved seeing everything from chinchillas and axolotls to rare birds—all under one roof! It's not every day you get such a variety in one spot. Prices seemed fair for the experience and the care they clearly put into their animals. Highly recommend if you’re in the area and looking for a unique experience!
Nov 10, 2024 · Clark DeverWhile the shop has definitely seen better days, the staff has not. They are still passionate about bringing pets to loving and understanding homes. I was browsing for a tarantula when I overheard a conversation from the staff about nursing a Guinea pig back to health that someone brought in to board. It clearly wasn't about the money to them, and the quality of their animals show. They all seem well handled and ready for new homes in the best way.Great place for anyone who wants to get into the exotic pet game, and perfect for those looking to continue their collection of animals.
Jun 19, 2025 · ジョンズ心愛
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