Ross Allen's Reptile Institute closure

Seeya later, alligator. Historic Florida reptile institute marks its final weekend.

Friday, 15 March 2013 08:14

The Island that has served as an educational stop through history for countless school groups in Florida and welcomed guests from all over the world will close permanently Monday March 18. This weekend will be the last time to experience the Ross Allen Reptitle Institute, a Florida attraction for almost 85 years.

Between 1929 and 1969, Ross Allen owned and operated the Ross Allen Reptile Institute at Silver Springs, displaying native snakes, alligators, and an "Indian Village" with Seminoles he recruited from the Everglades. After watching Ross handle the snakes and Indians wrestle gators, tourists could purchase their own souvenir live reptiles to take back home with them.

As time went on the emphasis at the Reptile Institute shifted more to scientific observation instead of demonstrations. Allen's studies of the American Alligator were among the first of this important reptile. Snakes were milked for their venom to be sent around the world for research and the production of antivenin. (Antivenin Ross would himself need on occasion, having been bitten more than a dozen times in the process). Reptiles raised here were sold to zoos and other tourist attractions across the country.

Over the years the Island has been the home to “Reptiles of the World Show” featuring reptile handlers that give an exciting and educational presentation on alligators, crocodiles, turtles and dispel some of the myths about these fascinating cold-blooded animals, along with the “Non-Venomous Snake Show” which offers guests the opportunity to view, touch and learn about the many different species of snakes in the world, and the important role they play in controlling rodents and other pests, and Alligator and crocodile feedings are presented daily at 2:30 p.m. (during warm summer months). Reptile keepers conduct the feedings that provide guests with the chance to witness the feeding habits of various species while learning more about these ancient creatures.

Ross Allen worked at Silver Springs for 46 years before Leaving in 1975. In his honor, the largest island in Silver Springs was renamed Ross Allen Island in January 2000.