A few years ago, I did some probono consulting work for Ecovivarium. I had already been a fan of their work for about a year prior to consulting with them... but honestly, until I started really getting involved, I had no idea of the depth and breadth of their work in the community, and the extraordinary focus and dedication of Susan and her entire team. Susan and the entire staff at Ecovivarium are committed, not just to rescuing and caring for exotic animals, but to using their educational programs to create understanding, awareness, and respect for these extraordinary creatures, in ways that go far beyond anything I have ever experienced consulting with other seemingly similar facilites. Once you've experienced the interactive programs at Ecovivarium with some of their "animal ambassadors" and the passionate, knowlegeable staff sharing the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of these animals... you can't help but come away not just educated, but changed. I am so deeply impressed by the staff's dedication to creating that change. They are not just rescuing animals or offering classes, these folks are trying to change the world by changing our perspective on the relationship that each of us have with the animals, the planet, and with one another. I know that this might sound a bit hiperbolic, if you haven't met these people. But, to that I would say two things: 1) if you haven't met them, you should! and 2) I can assure you, they do mean to change the world, both for and through these animals, and if anyone can do it, they can .
Ecovivarium is one of the most heartfelt / genuine non-profits I've ever interacted with. These people really do work their hardest to care for these animals, and educate the public.
The tenacity, dedication, and genuine care that I've seen in their volunteers and members is something that has impressed me time and time again.
I've visited the ecovivarium several times, both at its previous and at its current location. I helped them to move between the two places, in fact. The people that work here have a positively infectious enthusiasm. And a real knack for convincing you to care about animals that some would consider creepy crawlies.
I didn't start as a person who could identify a ball python, or could tell you facts about a leopard gecko, or could have real empathy for a tortoise who has outlived her owners (and may outlive her owners' children). But here I am. And I do believe I'm better for it.
My family first became familiar with Susan and Ecovivarium around six years ago when looking to adopt some reptiles. The adoption interview was very thorough, and it was soon clear as to why: Susan loved these animals, and was putting a lot of hard work into making sure that they were safe and properly cared for, and that those that would be adopting them were properly educated about them.
Over the years, I have been fortunate to be involved with Ecovivarium, both as a visitor and as a volunteer, as they have grown from their humble beginnings, now a major presence in terms of education and animal rescue for reptiles, amphibians, and insects - animals that are not as commonly understood or cared for by many people. Susan and her small, but dedicated team put their all into spreading understanding and compassion for these animals, through educational events both on- and off-site, guided tours, and virtual classrooms. Over 300 animals are under their care, and they work tirelessly alongside volunteers to ensure their health and well-being, including keeping them well-fed, constructing and maintaining comfortable living enclosures, and enriching them through various personal interactions.
While a number of the animals are being cared for while waiting to be adopted to their forever home, there are many more who are permanent residents of Ecovivarium, having been relinquished or rescued due to abandonment, abuse, injuries, or other health issues, resulting in them needing long-term, constant care by people who know (and are known by) these animals. While it's awful to know that these animals have been through so much hardship, and they cannot be adopted out for these various reasons, Susan and the staff at Ecovivarium have made them their own family, and are always taking care of them. Quite a few of them have become educational ambassadors, assisting the staff in educating people about the proper, and improper, care for these lesser-understood creatures.
If you love reptiles, or even moreso if you don't know much about them, Ecovivarium is definitely a worthwhile place to visit (more than once, even!). The staff and animals are always happy to help shine a spotlight on who, and what, they all are and where they fit into the world, and there's always something new to learn there. And hey, if nothing else, it's always fun just to get to meet some of the coolest animals around.
This is a wonderful place to go to if you want a great experience learning about reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods! The tour I had here was so much fun and very informative. I loved the opportunities to have hands-on experience with some of the animals as well. The team of people who work here are friendly and very knowledgeable. You can tell how passionate they are about the animals, as well as educating those who visit.
It's heartbreaking to learn of the circumstances that brought some of the animals into their care, as many are rescues or surrendered animals from people who thought they might make good pets. However, it's great to know that these animals are now in a place where they can get the proper attention and care they need from people who truly care for their health and well-being. The work these people do is extraordinary and this place is well worth the visit!
I heard about Ecovivarium from some friends. I'd never thought I'd have any particular interest in reptiles, but decided on a visit this summer. I am so happy I went! I saw quite a few reptiles up close and discovered that.... I like snakes! (I never thought I'd be a snake person).
I visited a few more times over the next weeks (to see my snek friends) and also crossed over more thing off my bucket list: holding a tarantula. (I sadly did not discover any kind of passion for arachnids).
In all my visits, I was able to learn something new and interesting about the animals that lived there. The people at Eco are all extremely knowledgeable and make learning fun. Being able to interact closely with some of their "residents" made an impact on me, it made me more conscious of how these animals are great too, and deserve to be protected.
In fact--those visits allowed me to make the decision to volunteer my time and labor over the summer. No regrets! I will be returning in 2022!
Susan and her team are absolutely amazing and incredibly knowledgeable. Such an amazing and informative tour, also a great way to spend your day off. If you love reptiles and other animals I highly recommend planning a trip.
I learn something new every time I come to Ecovivarium, the staff are Knowledgable and informative, so if you love learning about animals and nature, this place is absolutely amazing. The animals are so sweet and seeing how well they are cared for and how they are living the best life makes me so happy. A few months back I took my mom here, and she had an absolute blast. She’s pretty arachnophobic, but she healed a tarantula for the very first time and absolutely loved the experience!
Visiting EcoVivarium is so beneficial to my anxiety. It's really special, being able to connect with the animals and see the care they are being given!
I found out about EcoVivarium when I was looking to adopt a reptile. That was 6 years ago, and in that time I've seen Eco grow from a small rescue to a living museum housing over 300 rescue reptiles. With a limited staff, Eco still manages to do community outreach, education programs, hands on tours, adoptions, and animal care. Volunteers of all ages put in 100's of hours every month to care for and learn about these amazing creatures. The impact EcoVivarium has on San Diego cannot be overstated. As a female led nonprofit and the last stop for most of the reptiles in its care, Eco is a vital, irreplaceable part of the community. I highly recommend checking them out.
Susan and the team at the Ecovivarium are absolutely wonderful and are a wealth of knowledge. I 100% would recommend anyone who is interested in exotic animals to go check them out at least once!
Ecovivarium is a wonderful non profit that provides a place for unwanted and abandoned animals. The animals are well taken care of and all the staff are compassionate about the animals. They provide an opportunity for people of all ages to volunteer. There is no greater gift for a child to learn valuable skills of how to care for animals, be responsible and give back to their community.
EcoVivarium does an awesome job every year, educating the visitors at our annual Fire and Water Expo sponsored by the Rincon del Diablo Water District and the Escondido Fire Department. Our more than 1500 guests get to see and touch the snakes and reptiles up close while learning critical information about them. We’re very grateful that they are a big part of the success of our event.
After an hour tour here, you will be looking at reptiles, amphibians, arachnids and insects with new respect (if you don't just fall in love with them). Full of mistreated, mishandled, abandoned and abused animals, as well as surrendered animals that owners could no longer care for, EcoVivarium is an amazing place that allows kids and adults to interact with and learn about giant snakes, adorable tegus, exotic arachnids and their loving caretakers. After visiting just a couple times, I saw reptiles with more affection and curiosity than I ever have. I wholeheartedly reccomend a visit, and please say hi to Ed the Galapagos Tortoise for me.
EcoVivarium is a force for good; a rescue for abandoned or mistreated reptiles. It’s very educational and has a wide variety of animals that rotates every so often. One of my happy places!
EcoVivarium was an amazing experience for my children. The educators spent quality time with our group teaching about the animals. Highly recommend! They have camps too.
It's a large room with a large loop surrounded with animals. The tour goes through all their animals and you get to see them up close. This beats any zoo experience ever. Our guide was knowledgeable about each of the animals. This place is amazing and well worth the cost. The tour is over an hour to see all the animals but you can stay as long as you like.
We had a wonderful time! The docents were patient and kind and so very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
We first visited the museum for a home school field trip, and it was great! Very informative, fun, and run by very friendly people! Super clean, animals were all so happy, a great place to visit!
This is SUCH a fun museum. More importantly than that, however, is the service they provide to people (and animals) by educating the public on frequently misunderstood animals. Not only do they teach us not to be afraid of reptiles, but they also give people who already like reptiles a more comprehensive understanding of the intensive care and commitment that certain species (i.e.Savannah monitors or sulcatta tortises) truly require.
EcoVivarium is a one-of-a-kind treasure! The experience is educating and entertaining all at once, and it's enlightening to see so many unique reptiles and other creatures up close and understand their needs and temperaments. Staff members are welcoming and so knowledgeable, it makes visiting here a great experience.
My kids loved this place. The one on one attention we got from the staff is unheard of in otherwise crowded SoCal. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate. My kids were so excited to be able to touch or hold so many of the creatures. Definitely a one of a kind experience.
EcoVivarium Living Museum features rescued and rehabilitated reptiles and amphibians. Their tours and fun and interactive. You get to hear about the animals, where they are from, and all about their natural habitats. EcoVivarium also does education outreach programs with the community and special needs children. Their birthday parties are very special and unique. Makes for a long lasting memory your child will remember. They have touched our lives with their care and commitment to the animals and the San Diego community. If you are looking to support a non profit they are a very worthy cause and a little bit goes a long way.
If you have kids that are fascinated by reptiles, you really need to take them to Ecovivarium In Escondido, CA. They are a reptile rescue organization that also has a small hands on educational museum next door. Over 95% of the reptiles on display were rescues. The tour guide talks about each one of the animals as you stop at each exhibit. She took almost all of them out of their exhibit to be touched and / or held. All the kids LOVED it! At the end of the tour she took out a monitor lizard that the kids could walk around. Very fun and educational place to take the family.
EcoVivarium is a wonderful place for young explorers to learn about reptiles, amphibians, and bugs. They offer really great tours at affordable rates where you are walked through the museum and get to learn and hold the reptiles. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They also do great parties for kids. I will continue to support this very worthy not for profit. They rescue the animals and give them meaningful lives. EcoVivarium also supports the community. We love the reading programs at the Escondido Library where the kids get to play with the reptiles and read to them. My family is always inspired by the experience and we are grateful for the wonderful experiences we have had at EcoVivarium in Escondido, CA!