The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo opened a new reptile house this summer. It’s actually like an art gallery with animal exhibits; on my first visit, I didn’t realize right away that the snakes were alive and not sculpted or stuffed (the latter did seem a bit weird for a zoo, but whatever).

On the next visit, with my nephew, we went through twice because he didn’t want to leave. (His dad and grandpa loathe snakes. I’m trying to inculcate an early appreciation in him, before the malign influences take over.) Of course, he then decided he wanted one of those colorful stuffed snakes they sell in the gift shop, so we had the following conversation:

Him: I NEEEED a snake!

Me: I know, but we aren’t getting one today.

Him: But I NEEEEED one!

Me: Well, we’re not getting one here.

Him: Why not?

Me: Because they’re kind of expensive.

Him: Why?

Me (thinking, For the reasons you are currently illustrating all too well; instead of saying this, I try to change the subject): What was your favorite snake out of all the ones we saw?

Him: The pink one. And I NEEEEED it!

Me: You mean the orange one? I don’t think we saw a pink one.

Him: I NEEEED a snake.

I had finally succeeded in distracting him when we passed an outdoor kiosk with a huge display of…colorful stuffed snakes. SIGH. Good thing I adore him so much.

(Above, California red-sided garter snake; albino Burmese python, which actually lives in a different building but I included this photo because I’m pleased with how it turned out; and Oustalet’s chameleon)

Above, blue tree monitor

Above, green tree monitors

Above, bearded dragon

Above, desert iguana

*I’m a bit disappointed in how blurry some of these photos are. I was shooting through glass on all except the chameleon, so that might be part of the cause. I hope I can get sharper images on future visits–of which I intend many, because this is a seriously cool addition to the zoo.