Kentucky Reptile Zoo is a nonprofit zoo and venom extraction lab. Founded in 1990, it is dedicated to the well being of reptiles, their role in nature, and the ways in which they may save human lives.

The Zoo has a threefold mission: venom extraction, outreach, and conservation. We provide venom extracted from snakes from around the world for use in medical research and anitvenom production, allowing for the discovery of new treatment developments in a wide range of medical conditions. We exhibit these species and others to teach the public about the ecology of reptiles and importance they have in the natural world, and to inform the public about the uses of venom in medicine. We also visit schools, libraries and other institutions throughout Kentucky to teach these topics to a larger audience. Our conservation efforts include work with the government of St. Lucia on conservation of their endemic pit viper, involvement in efforts to stop unethical rattlesnake roundups, work with the government and other organizations in India on sustainable venom production, keeping and breeding of endangered species, training and working with law enforcement to support the proper care of reptiles, and supporting research about them in any way we can.