October 21 is National Reptile Day and we are celebrating the Zoology Zone Science Center all month long! If you know Andy McKee, you know nobody in PutnamWV loves reptiles more than he does.

If you haven’t yet visited the Zoology Zone at Valley Park, you are missing out on a real Putnam County treasure. A visit to the Zoology Zone is affordable, plus memberships are available if your family would like to take advantage of Andy’s fun-packed schedule of ongoing activities on a regular basis.

Andy was working as a middle school science teacher when he started the Mountain State Reptile Rescue in 2020 due to the increasing number of sick, neglected, and unwanted reptiles and amphibians needing help in our area. This project continued to grow in 2022 to become West Virginia’s only reptile and amphibian no-kill shelter until the rescue had the opportunity to relocate to a former clothing store in the Huntington Mall to increase public awareness and launch the regions very first rescue zoo!  Over 80 rehabilitated reptiles and amphibians were exhibited and used as educational ambassadors.

In 2023, the Reptile House and Rescue received the incredible opportunity to move right here to #PutnamWV! Andy rebranded it The Zoology Zone Science Center and this animal haven has allowed guests to embark on an incredible hands-on learning journey.  And Andy says he’s just getting started!

Interested in becoming a volunteer? The Zoology Zone always needs your help! No matter how little experience you may have, Andy would be honored at your willingness. Visit the website zoologyzone.org to learn how you can become part of the magic that is the Zoology Zone Science Center.