Family Adventure: Experience Venom Extractions at the Reptile Discovery Center
by Jessica Meinhofer
Ever wondered where the antidotes for venomous snake bites come from, or how medical researchers get venom for lifesaving research? At the Reptile Discovery Center, you get a front-row seat to this rare process. Friends had always told me, "Jessica, you have to go—it's amazing!" They weren't kidding. It's not just an exhibition but an interactive experience that dives into the science of venom, right in the heart of nature.
Medtoxin, the center's commercial venom production facility, doesn't just extract venom; it turns it into antidotes and research materials that save lives and advance medicine across the globe. Whether it’s contributing to cancer research or studying diabetes treatments, the venom extracted here touches lives worldwide, and you can see it all happening right in front of you.
What's really special is how the center manages to make this thrilling yet entirely safe. You can watch the experts work behind safety glass, ensuring a secure experience for you as they handle some of the most venomous snakes in the world. This makes it not just a unique spectacle but also an educational visit, perfect for anyone curious about science or nature.
When I visited, I met a family from the UK who had come just to witness this process and meet Carl Barden, the center’s director. Their journey shows the center's global appeal and its reputation as a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural world. Don't miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind attraction.
Carl Barden is both the director and founder of the Reptile Discovery Center. His journey into the world of snakes began when he started collecting them as a 7-year-old. By age 12, he knew his future lay with these creatures after he was being inspired by Bill Haast, a renowned venom expert he later came to view as a mentor.
After studying biology at the University of Central Florida, Carl got a tip from his older brother, an airline pilot, about how to support his snake ambitions financially. He followed in his brother's footsteps and became a commercial airline pilot, a job that gave him the funds and flexibility he needed to grow his passion.
For 22 years, Carl balanced flying with running his emerging venom business from his home. His dedication paid off when, in 1999, he finally bought land and built his own serpentarium.
Where is the Reptile Discovery Center?
The Reptile Discovery Center is conveniently located on the east side of DeLand, nestled quietly in the woods but easily accessible right off a main road. Your GPS should guide you there without any trouble. It’s less than a 15-minute drive from historic downtown DeLand, making it a quick trip for a day of fun.
If you’re coming from further afield, it’s about 45 minutes north of Orlando and just 30 minutes west of Daytona Beach, making it a perfect stop for anyone exploring the greater Central Florida area.
Address: 2710 Big John Drive, DeLand, Florida 32724
Plan Your Visit to the Reptile Discovery Center
Start your adventure at the main building, where you can park and pay. I recommend kicking things off with the Discovery Trail, followed by the Reptile Exhibit Hall, and saving the best for last with the Venom Extraction Program. Don't forget to swing by the gift shop before you leave!
Discovery Trail
Take a stroll on the Discovery Trail, a hard-packed, flat path that meanders through various reptile enclosures. They have a small kiosk at the beginning of the trail where they provide bug spray to ward off Florida’s pesky mosquitoes and no-see-ums, so you can enjoy your walk without the bites. Along the trail, you'll encounter a variety of animals in their naturalistic habitats, including alligators, box turtles, and rhino iguanas. It’s a delightful nature walk that's perfect for all ages.
Reptile Exhibit Hall
Next, explore the Reptile Exhibit Hall, where you can see dozens of snakes as well as lizards and frogs, all comfortably housed behind glass. Each display includes information on the species' names and native regions. This self-guided area is temperature-controlled, offering a cool respite from the heat or shelter from inclement weather.
Venom Extraction Program
The live venom extraction program is often the highlight of a visit to the Reptile Discovery Center. In a room equipped with a large bay window offering a clear view of the extraction area, you'll witness a meticulously orchestrated procedure. It starts with the smallest and least venomous snakes and gradually progresses to larger, more dangerous species such as coral snakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, rattlesnakes, and cobras.
Throughout the session, a pre-recorded audio presentation by Carl Barden enriches your understanding, sharing detailed insights into each snake's background and the critical uses of their venom. Observe as the owner and his skilled team handle the snakes with precision, ensuring a safe and informative experience for all attendees.
The well-being of these remarkable snakes is paramount. Their habitats are thoughtfully designed to minimize stress and maximize safety, benefiting both the animals and their handlers. This program provides a rare glimpse into a fascinating process that attracts visitors from around the globe, highlighting the delicate balance between nature and science that the center maintains.
Visiting with Kids
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Reptile Discovery Center—maybe an outdated venue where we'd watch a quick venom extraction from behind a window and then wander through some old exhibits. I couldn't have been more wrong.
The facility itself, while not ultra-modern, is clearly well-maintained and the care for the animals is evident throughout. The highlight of our visit was the live venom extraction program, a thrilling sequence of events where we saw a variety of venomous snakes, each progressively larger and more aggressive than the last. The atmosphere was electric, with every new extraction drawing gasps and excited whispers from the crowd.
Before the venom extraction began, we had a hands-on encounter with non-venomous snakes, brought out by assistants who shared cool details about each one. This wasn't just informative; it allowed my kids and me to connect with these misunderstood creatures up close. It’s something we still talk about.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing—there was a heart-stopping moment when one of the venomous snakes momentarily escaped during its extraction! The room held its breath as the handlers skillfully recaptured it, adding an unforgettable touch of drama to our visit.
After the demonstrations, Carl Barden took time to engage with the audience, answering our questions and discussing the vital role of their work in wildlife conservation and medical research. He even shared his personal experiences with handling snakes, including the number of times he’s been bitten by venomous ones! I won't spoil the exact number here—trust me, it's worth hearing from him directly. This personal interaction, particularly valued by visitors who had traveled great distances, like the family from the UK, made our experience feel even more special.
Adding to the day's adventure was discovering the delightful nature trail. Tucked away, this quiet path allowed us to explore outdoor enclosures at our own pace and see alligators, box turtles, and rhino iguanas. As someone who loves hiking, finding this trail was an unexpected joy that perfectly complemented the indoor excitement.
Visitor Information
Extraction Schedule: Venom extractions are a must-see! They are scheduled Thursday through Saturday at 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM, and at 11:30 AM only on Sundays.
Opening Hours: The Reptile Discovery Center welcomes visitors from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Thursday through Saturday. On Sundays, the hours are 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please note, the facility is closed every year from mid-August to mid-October.
Admission: As of January 2025, ticket prices are $12.50 for children and $13.50 for adults. The center also offers yearly passes and group rates, which are perfect for frequent visitors or larger parties.
Planning Your Visit: Most visitors spend about 2.5 hours at the center, exploring the nature trail, the reptile exhibit hall, and watching the venom extraction program. It's the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon immersed in the fascinating world of reptiles.
Updates and More Information: For the most current information on closures, holiday hours, and more, be sure to check the Reptile Discovery Center's website.
