Westman Reptile Gardens, Douglas

I've been here a few times and have loved it every time. To be fair, the first time I was there I wasn't sure I was in the right place but after opening the door it was very evident I had reached the correct place. The owner has been nothing but friendly towards myself and family every single time I've been there as well has walked through the entire place with us answering all our questions while teaching interesting facts about the animals. To my understanding, this is purely family run and done out of a labour of love. Don't have unreasonable expectations that everything will be cleaned spotless. Besides, how many people are willing to go into the exhibit every day with alligators, crocs and snakes. It must be a Herculean task to manage the upkeep of the hundreds of animals they have. When you go there, I would recommend going on a cooler day, it can be very humid inside. If you go there with the intention of taking your time, enjoying the place and learning; you can easily be there for hours. If your goal is to blitz through, you can be done in fifteen minutes. Please keep in mind that these are animals, they aren't always going to be "putting on a show." I would rather drive out to Westman Reptile Gardens from Winnipeg than go to Assiniboine Zoo anyday.

I'll add more pics from my boyfriend's phone later but these alligators and crocodiles are kept in AWFUL conditions. This big one is lucky - most have grey walls, grey floors, a tiny pool that won't even reach some of their backs and a log if they're lucky. It was incredibly depressing, although the smaller animals are kept in fine conditions. That, and there's a baby crocodile in its own tiny little grey box, all by himself, kept in isolation. Very very sad.

A wonderful experience. The staff is very knowledgeable and they make it a great visit

Definitely worth stopping in for an hour or two. The cages weren't sparkling and shiny but anyone who cares for animals knows that they usually make a mess right after you clean the cage. The animals seemed well cared for and, after talking to the owner, it's obvious that they are in capable and knowledgeable hands. We will be back in the future!

For a small fee you can see a huge variety of reptiles in rural Manitoba. Pretty cool place.