Prehistoric World

Get Up Close with Reptiles, Dinosaurs & More in Perry, NY

Discover a world of scales, shells, fossils and prehistoric creatures at Prehistoric World in Perry, New York—an interactive animal experience located just minutes from Letchworth State Park.

Billed as New York's only reptile zoo and dinosaur museum, Prehistoric World gives visitors the opportunity to see and interact with an incredible variety of animals while exploring exhibits inspired by the world's jungles, deserts and prehistoric past.

From colorful snakes and lizards to turtles, tortoises, prairie dogs, hedgehogs, tarantulas and scorpions, there's something fascinating around every corner. And unlike a traditional zoo experience, visitors are encouraged to get hands-on, with knowledgeable staff providing information and opportunities to touch and hold many of the animals.

Explore Two Unique Animal Worlds

Prehistoric World is divided into two themed locations, each offering a different experience.

Site A — Living Jungle

Enter the Living Jungle and discover reptiles and other animals adapted to forest and jungle environments.

The exhibit features a colorful collection of snakes, geckos, lizards and other reptiles. Visitors can learn about the animals, their habitats and their unique adaptations while getting an unusually close look at these fascinating creatures.

The interactive nature of the experience is what makes Living Jungle especially memorable. Prehistoric World's knowledgeable staff are available throughout the exhibits to answer questions, share facts and provide opportunities for visitors to interact with many of the animals.

Site B — Desert Lands & Turtle Town

Next door, Desert Lands & Turtle Town transports visitors into a completely different environment.

Explore an assortment of turtles and tortoises, along with desert-dwelling snakes and lizards. The exhibit is also home to some of Prehistoric World's more unusual residents, including tarantulas and scorpions, as well as crowd favorites such as prairie dogs and a hedgehog.

Whether you're fascinated by reptiles, love turtles or are brave enough to get a close look at an arachnid, this exhibit offers plenty to discover.

An Interactive Experience

What makes Prehistoric World different from a traditional zoo is the opportunity to interact with the animals.

Throughout the exhibits, knowledgeable reptile educators share interesting facts and information while encouraging visitors to get closer to the animals. Depending on the animal and current conditions, guests may have opportunities to touch or hold reptiles and other creatures.

For children especially, the experience can turn a simple family outing into a memorable hands-on learning opportunity.

More Than a Reptile Zoo

The prehistoric theme continues beyond the living animals.

Visitors can discover fossils, dinosaur-themed displays and Jurassic memorabilia, connecting today's living reptiles with the ancient creatures that once inhabited the planet.

The combination of live animals, fossils and prehistoric exhibits makes Prehistoric World an especially fun destination for kids who are fascinated by dinosaurs, reptiles and the natural world.

Extra Experiences

Looking to make your visit even more memorable?

Prehistoric World offers additional experiences that may include:

Animal Feeding

Get even closer to the animals with opportunities to hand-feed select tortoises or lizards.

Animal Photos

Capture the experience with a commemorative photo featuring one of Prehistoric World's animals.

Zookeeper for a Day

For a truly behind-the-scenes experience, the Zookeeper for a Day program gives participants the opportunity to spend several hours learning what it's like to care for the animals.

Depending on the program, participants may assist with tasks such as cleaning enclosures, feeding animals and other aspects of animal care.

Birthday Parties

Make a birthday unforgettable with a private reptile-themed party, including a private reptile presentation and access to the zoo.

Availability, pricing and age requirements for special experiences can change, so visitors should check Prehistoric World's website for current details.

A Great Family Stop Near Letchworth

Located in Perry, Prehistoric World is an easy addition to a Wyoming County itinerary.

Pair a visit with a day at Letchworth State Park, explore nearby Silver Lake, grab a meal in the area and discover more of the attractions throughout Wyoming County.

It's especially appealing on days when you want something different from hiking and outdoor recreation—or when the weather isn't cooperating.

Highlights

• Interactive reptile zoo
• Dinosaur museum and exhibits
• Live reptiles
• Snakes
• Lizards
• Geckos
• Turtles and tortoises
• Prairie dogs
• Hedgehog
• Tarantulas
• Scorpions
• Fossils
• Dinosaur memorabilia
• Hands-on animal experiences
• Animal feeding opportunities
• Animal photo experiences
• Zookeeper for a Day
• Birthday parties
• Educational experience
• Family-friendly
• Located near Letchworth State Park

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prehistoric World?

Prehistoric World is an interactive reptile zoo and dinosaur-themed museum in Perry, New York, featuring live reptiles, other animals, fossils and prehistoric-themed exhibits.

What animals can you see at Prehistoric World?

Depending on current exhibits, visitors can see snakes, lizards, geckos, turtles, tortoises, prairie dogs, hedgehogs, tarantulas, scorpions and other animals.

Can you touch the animals at Prehistoric World?

Prehistoric World is known for its interactive approach, and visitors may have opportunities to touch or hold select animals under the guidance of staff. Animal interaction is dependent on the animal and current conditions.

Is Prehistoric World good for kids?

Yes. The combination of live animals, hands-on experiences and dinosaur-themed exhibits makes Prehistoric World a popular family attraction and educational experience.

Does Prehistoric World have dinosaurs?

Prehistoric World focuses on live reptiles and other animals while also featuring fossils, dinosaur-themed activities and prehistoric memorabilia.

What is Living Jungle?

Living Jungle is one of Prehistoric World's themed exhibits, featuring animals associated with jungle and forest environments, including colorful snakes, lizards and geckos.

What is Desert Lands & Turtle Town?

Desert Lands & Turtle Town is a separate themed exhibit featuring turtles, tortoises and desert animals, along with tarantulas, scorpions, prairie dogs and a hedgehog.

Does Prehistoric World offer animal encounters?

Yes. Prehistoric World offers interactive opportunities that may include animal feeding, animal photos and other hands-on experiences. Check with Prehistoric World for current availability and pricing.

Can you be a zookeeper for a day?

Prehistoric World offers a Zookeeper for a Day experience that provides a behind-the-scenes look at caring for the animals. Check the current website for age requirements, availability and pricing.

Is Prehistoric World near Letchworth State Park?

Yes. Prehistoric World is located in Perry, NY, just minutes from Letchworth State Park, making it an easy addition to a Letchworth-area itinerary.