Ireland’s First and Only National Reptile Zoo Celebrates 20 years of Reptiles, Research and Conservation
The National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny is celebrating 20 years since first opening its doors, marking two decades of growth from a small reptile attraction in Gowran into Ireland’s first and only dedicated reptile zoo and an internationally connected centre for conservation, education and research. Founded by James Hennessy in March 2006 as Reptile Village, the zoo has changed considerably over the past 20 years. Today, it is home to more than 150 animals representing over 60 species from around the world, including snakes, lizards, tortoises, alligators, tarantulas, scorpions, poison dart frogs and axolotls.
Seven reptiles have called the National Reptile Zoo home for the past 20 years, with all seven species appearing on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species.
The IUCN Red List assesses the conservation status of species worldwide, with classifications ranging from Least Concern through to Extinct.
The zoo’s long-term residents include Bowser the alligator snapping turtle (Endangered); Sheldon and Penny the legless lizards (Least Concern); Sergeant Major the plated lizard (Least Concern); Maria the Gila monster (Near Threatened); Michael the yellow-footed tortoise (Vulnerable); and Lazlo the leopard tortoise (Least Concern).
Speaking on the 20 year milestone, James Hennessy, Founder and Director of the National Reptile Zoo, said,“When we opened in 2006, the idea was to create somewhere people could experience these incredible animals and learn more about them. To see how far the zoo has come since then is something I’m incredibly proud of. Today, we are not only welcoming visitors and educating the next generation, but supporting research and conservation projects around the world. We’ve grown enormously over the past 20 years, but that same sense of curiosity and excitement about these animals is still at the heart of everything we do.”
Over the years, the zoo has introduced a wide range of new visitor and educational experiences, from the nationwide Zoo to You outreach programme and immersive Tropical Dome, to dedicated research and education facilities, the Explorer’s Mess, Biodiversity Nook and virtual Zoo Zoom programmes.
Alongside its visitor experiences, conservation has become a major part of the zoo’s work. The National Reptile Zoo has supported and participated in projects across the world, including reptile and amphibian surveys in India and Guatemala, crocodile conservation and conflict-resolution projects in Uganda and Sri Lanka, critically endangered gharial conservation in India and research into Russell’s vipers and human-snake conflict.
Research and breeding have also played an important role in the zoo’s development. In 2008, parthenogenesis was recorded in an ornate Nile monitor, while in 2024 the zoo achieved the successful captive breeding of bushmaster snakes. Today, the team continues to support university research, including current work with Trinity College Dublin studying parthenogenesis in Asian water monitor lizards.
Rachael Ryan, Zookeeper at the National Reptile Zoo, said: “One of the most rewarding parts of working here is seeing people completely change how they think about reptiles. Someone can arrive nervous about snakes or crocodiles and leave fascinated by them. Helping people understand these animals is such an important part of protecting them.”
Luca Masetti, Zookeeper at the National Reptile Zoo, added: “There is always something new to learn when working with reptiles. The research and conservation work means that what we do here in Kilkenny can also contribute to a much bigger understanding of these species and how they can be protected in the wild.”
Sustainability is built into the fabric of the National Reptile Zoo, with upcycled and repurposed materials used throughout the Kilkenny facility. Teak doors, windows, furniture, signage and even safety glazing have all been repurposed from former buildings, events and public infrastructure. Even the zoo’s signage is mounted on upcycled crate timber, while the reception area was created using repurposed office furniture and timber rejected by sawmills.
The zoo also generates solar energy, collects rainwater for habitat ponds and uses clay blocks in habitat walls to help retain and slowly release heat. Across the site, more than 10,000 square metres of glass, 700 square metres of timber, 800kg of plastics and 2.6 tonnes of furnishings have been reused or repurposed, reflecting the zoo’s wider commitment to reducing waste and embedding sustainability into its day to day operations.
For more information, ticket details and opening hours, visit www.nrz.ie.
Key milestones in 20 years of the National Reptile Zoo:
2006 – Reptile Village opens in Gowran, Co. Kilkenny
2007 – Zoo licence achieved with official EU recognition
2010 – Zoo triples in size
2012 – Reptile Village becomes the National Reptile Zoo
2014 – Nationwide Zoo to You educational programme launches
2015 – Interactive Tropical Dome opens
2017 – Conservation fieldwork begins in Guatemala
2018 – Crocodile capture and relocation training delivered in Sri Lanka
2019 – Zoo expands in Kilkenny City and hosts the European Crocodile Network Meeting
2020 – Research hub and education facility developed and Zoo Zoom virtual programmes launch
2023 – Zoo supports gharial conservation work in India and launches an international staff exchange with The Liana Trust
2024 – Successful captive breeding of bushmaster snakes and new research partnership using habitat monitoring cameras
2025 – National Reptile Zoo joins the Kilkenny County Council Biodiversity Action Group
2026 – Zoo contributes to the IUCN Snake Conference in Sri Lanka and continues research with Trinity College Dublin into Asian water monitor parthenogenesis
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Slán go fóill.
