Prehistoric World

Prehistoric World is New York's only reptile zoo and dinosaur museum where visitors can interact with animals and dinosaur themed activities. Experience everything from live reptiles to fossils to Jurassic memorabilia.

Family Adventures in New York State visited Prehistoric World in Perry, NY, just minutes away from Letchworth State Park - and here's all the wonderful things they had to say:

The zoo is split into 2 separate themed sites where guests can learn about animals that hail from different habitats.

Site A – Living Jungle

These animals all come from jungle or forest settings. I think the thing that struck me the most was the colors of the reptiles in this section. I have never seen so many colorful snakes in my life. Nor did I realize how many different kinds of geckos and lizards there are. One thing that really made an impression on me was how receptive the animals are to visitors. When I have seen reptiles in the zoo, they more or less ignored me. These reptiles, however, looked straight at me, almost encouraging me to touch them. They have clearly had a great deal of human attention, love, and interaction. 

Site B – The Desert Lands and Turtle Town

This exhibit is located just next door and is dedicated to the desert animals, as well as my personal favorites, turtles, and tortoises. In addition to loads of turtles, tortoises, and of course desert-dwelling snakes and lizards, this exhibit is home to some Prehistoric World’s creepier inhabitance…arachnids like tarantulas and scorpions and their cutest ones, prairie dogs and a hedgehog.

Fantastic Staff

What really sets this zoo apart from other zoos is the staff. They are what really make every visitor’s experience unique and extraordinary. From the moment you step through the door, each person is treated like a special guest. The reptile expert docents walk around the zoo and will provide guests with fascinating facts about the reptiles and invite guests to touch and hold almost every animal in the zoo. This is as interactive an experience as you can ever hope to have at any zoo and it is completely amazing.

Extra Experiences

But wait!!! There’s more!!! There are extra experiences that guest can enjoy.

ANIMAL FEEDING
$2.00
Hand feed a tortoise or lizard.

PHOTO WITH ONE OF OUR ANIMALS
$10.00
Have a commemorative photo taken with your favorite reptile. Each photo is taken with a special background and comes with a protective paper frame.

ZOOKEEPER FOR A DAY (4 hours)
$125 for an individual, ages 12 and up; $225 for a family
Get hands on experience and learn what it is like to be a zookeeper at Prehistoric World. Go behind the scene for 4 hours and assist with cleaning enclosures, feeding and medicating the animals.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES
$300
Enjoy a party in the private birthday room for up to two hours with a private reptile show. Birthday parties include free admission to the zoo. (maximum group size is 15 people – $10 for each additional person.)

Here's a short video when Prehistoric World opened - meet Demo Dan!