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.
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 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!
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!
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.