Reptile World Serpentarium, Snake research center in St. Cloud, Florida, US
Reptile World Serpentarium is a reptile zoo in St. Cloud, Florida, displaying more than 75 snake species alongside lizards, crocodiles, alligators and turtles. Its daily venom-milking show, held behind a glass window, features rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and cobras handled by George Van Horn and Rosa Van Horn.
George Van Horn, a Miami native, opened Reptile World Serpentarium in St. Cloud in 1972. He had kept snakes since childhood, when Bill Haast of the Miami Serpentarium became his mentor. Van Horn was treated in hospital for king cobra bites in 1977 and again in 1995.
Through educational demonstrations and exhibits, the center contributes to scientific research by extracting venom used in medical treatments and pharmaceutical products.
The venom-milking show is the main draw, staged behind a glass window with George and Rosa Van Horn handling rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and cobras. Check the day's show time before setting out, since the demonstration is the reason most visitors come. The zoo sits in St. Cloud, Osceola County, Florida.
George Van Horn, who runs the serpentarium, was bitten by venomous snakes at least 12 times by 2011, including king cobra bites treated in hospital in 1977 and 1995. He told Orlando Magazine that he brings his own vial of venom with him to the hospital in such cases.
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