Paws for a Moment

Herptiles and the Cold Weather

Brevard Zoo

Because of their ectothermic nature, herptiles like American alligators and crocodiles, tortoises, iguanas and more experience a lower metabolism and an overall decrease in activity. That's why every year, our Herps and Aquatics team make a few key changes to adapt to our reptile and amphibian residents' bodies. 

This episode, we invited Herps and Aquatics Curator Nicole Payne and Area Supervisor Jenna Hazard to chat with us all about the changes they make for our herptile friends.