What is the Zoology Zone Science Center All About?!
Inspiring Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Through Education
Here at the Zoology Zone Science Center, our mission is to inspire wildlife and environmental conservation through hands-on, immersive education! Alongside our engaging exhibits and programs, we rehabilitate and care for rescued reptiles and amphibians—animals often misunderstood or dismissed as worthy of help. Through these efforts, we teach the public not only proper care and respect for these creatures but also their vital roles in our ecosystems. The Zoology Zone is poised to become the leading educational destination in the region, easily accessible to local visitors. Parents no longer need to pack for an overnight trip and drive for hours to find new activities for their children. Our affordable ticket and membership pricing and emphasis on community outreach make this an initiative that is accessible to all.
What. A. Journey! Yet, we're just getting started!!
Our mission began in a storage closet in the back of our CEO's middle school science classroom in 2019; there, the Herpetology program was born! In 2020, due to the increasing calls to for sick, neglected, and unwanted reptiles & amphibians, the decision was made to open Mountain State Reptile Rescue, WV's only 501(c)(3) dedicated reptile and amphibian rescue and no-kill shelter!
In 2022, Mountain State Reptile Rescue had the opportunity to move into a former women's clothing store in WV's largest shopping mall to increase public awareness of our animals and to launch our region's very first "rescue zoo" with over 80 rehabilitated reptiles and amphibians on exhibit and used as educational ambassadors. We rebranded into The Reptile House & Rescue and continued to expand our rescue operations while also launching and expanding our educational and conservation outreach programs.
In 2023, we made our biggest leap yet—relocating to Hurricane, WV, in the heart of Putnam County. Our new home in Valley Park allowed us to grow even further, leading to our final rebrand as the Zoology Zone Science Center. Now, visitors can explore the world of reptiles and amphibians through immersive, hands-on experiences while learning their importance to ecosystems and how to care for and respect them. We've expanded our impact in education, conservation, and community—and we're just getting started!
Real-World Practical Science Education
Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, and is a branch of Zoology. Zoology is the study of animals, and is a branch of Biology. Biology is the study of all living things. We teach that all areas of science (and other studies) all work together to keep our ecosystem working and happy!
The Zoology Zone Science Center will continue to host many family-friendly events inside and outside of our facility in order to teach real-world practices to make our world a better place.
Become a Volunteer!
Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering for the Zoology Zone Science Center! From our educational outreach, YouTube channel, social media management, to event planning - WE NEED YOUR HELP! No matter what your experience, we are thrilled and honored that you are willing to help! With over 80 rescued animal ambassadors, the need for a strong volunteer force is paramount! We couldn't do what we do without our dedicated volunteers, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your willingness to help!
--Andy McKee, CEO