Little Rays Reptile Zoo and Nature Centre

944 reviews

869 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3B4, Canada

www.littlerays.org

+19055496868

About

Little Rays Reptile Zoo and Nature Centre is a Zoo located at 869 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3B4, Canada. It has received 944 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-4PM
Tuesday11AM-4PM
Wednesday11AM-4PM
Thursday11AM-4PM
Friday11AM-4PM
Saturday11AM-4PM
Sunday11AM-4PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Little Rays Reptile Zoo and Nature Centre: 869 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3B4, Canada

  • Little Rays Reptile Zoo and Nature Centre has 4.6 stars from 944 reviews

  • Zoo

  • "The albino reticulated python closest to the tortoise enclosure has bulging eyes, most likely due to naso-lacrimal infection not being treated"

    "Wow, as we arrived I was wondering what to expect but don't let your self be fooled by the outside of the building"

    "My son has been very into reptiles lately so I brought him here after Googling the closest reptile zoo near me"

    "My husband and I booked a sloth encounter session for my little sisters birthday (15 yrs) as a surprise for her"

    "It was AWESOME"

Reviews

  • nicole cake

The albino reticulated python closest to the tortoise enclosure has bulging eyes, most likely due to naso-lacrimal infection not being treated. This would explain why this snake is constantly rubbing it's face against the glass. Multiple reticulated pythons are being forced into cohabitation at this location. 3-4 snakes in the same enclosure built big enough for one snake. It's probably unintentional and due to lack of or outdated education and an obvious lack of space, but this is extremely cruel and it stresses snakes out to keep them cohabbed in the same enclosure, especially such large snakes like the ones you have displayed here. You are running the risk of these snakes injuring each other or worse, cannibalism. Just because it hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't happen and you are taking a huge risk by piling multiple animals into a space designed to hold one. Snakes are nortorious for cannibalistic behavior due to cohabbing and this is just horrible that you are either unware or don't care enough to do the right thing. This is so beyond disheartening to see. Another thing, you mention that ball pythons are nocturnal, yet you keep your ball python under a heat lamp that mimicks sunlight instead of a ceramic bulb or Under Tank Heater, which would mimick their natural habitat of abandoned burrows. This is why your ball python crawls around it's enclosure instead of staying in it's hide. It's a sign of stress and the ball python is trying to escape and hide away from light. Please do better. Perhaps look into building a PVC rack system for your over-abundance of reticulated pythons so they aren't forced into cohabitation. Seek medical attention for the albino with the disfigured eyes. That poor baby is suffering and if you think your visitors can't see it or it isn't obvious, you better think again.

  • Jennifer L.

Wow, as we arrived I was wondering what to expect but don't let your self be fooled by the outside of the building. Its a small place, with lots of love to every single creature being. The animals are well taken care for. In there "education show" you learn a lot about snakes, lizards, spiders while the time just goes by without being noticed. Even my li'l one loved the "show". You can really tell that Paul has a passion for what he is doing and had a few points to let you think about and wonder. Super interesting and educational. - some animals (spider high five, snake tree or lizard spikes just for example) were allowed to be touched which sure was one of the highlights there today I'm super impressed and can't wait to come back to learn more about all theses li'l wonderful animals. Oh, I should add on everybody from the team crossing our way was very friendly, smiling and welcoming. It was just a joy over all to be here.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Kristie LeBeau

My son has been very into reptiles lately so I brought him here after Googling the closest reptile zoo near me. Although it's in Hamilton and I'm not a fan of that city and it seems like it was built into the side of a building at the time as soon as we walked in we were greeted so nicely it was a great little reptile zoo we gave ourselves a bit of a tour and walked around looking at all the different reptiles and animals. They had amazing stuff that were very knowledgeable and educated and the one girl who is teaching during one of their showings really helps my son when he got a little scared of one of the animals! She was amazing and patient and caring and really helped him through his emotions and showed him a bunch of different other animals and cheered him up it was an amazing experience. We were there Monday Aug 21/2023 whoever she was thank her for me!!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Tynika Walker

My husband and I booked a sloth encounter session for my little sisters birthday (15 yrs) as a surprise for her. We could not have had a better time! Definitely surpassed our expectations. Abi was our handler and she was so sweet and very knowledgeable. We were welcomed in right away. Abi went out of her way to make my sisters birthday special. I also love hearing all about what Little Rays does for their animals. Extremely clean and Tidy. The animals are clearly well cared for and happy. You can tell the workers LOVE what they do with how excited they are to answer any questions you can think of and how well they interact with all of the animals. I highly recommend Little Rays! Birthdays, date night, a surprise for a loved one, or just something fun to go do, I recommend for all occasions! You won’t regret it Thank you so much!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • norman t

It was AWESOME. Great tour. The kids LOVE IT. Worth every dollar. Great activity for kids and the family. The guide we had was FANTASTIC (her name started with a B lol. I don't want to spell it incorrectly) and very knowledgeable and friendly. The kids love having the opportunity to even interact with some of the animals which even enhanced the experience. Even the big kids aka the parents had a great time too. I recommend as a must go to activity for kids Good activity for multiple families and grandparents. Thank you Little Rays for a AWESOME time =)

  • amanda

A local gem!! Amazing knowledgeable staff. Wonderful with children. Made our visit very special. 7 high energy children including a toddler were entertained, and had an awesome time. Parking is available in the plaza. Reptiles look healthy and well taken care of. Establishment is clean!! It's definitely worth a visit to RAYS. Adults, and children alike will have a fantastic learning adventure. If I am ever visiting the area again, we would love to revisit.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • NIDUL RATHOD

We had an amazing time at Little Rays Zoo. It was just me and my wife. We had booked for the Private Zoo tour + Sloth Encounter. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. Especially our tour guide bronwyn (hope we got the name right ) She was extremely knowledgeable and gave us an amazing tour around the place and she also made sure we were comfortable while interacting with different reptiles and sloth. I would definitely recommend this place not only for the little ones but for us grown ups too.

  • Alex Cuevas

What a cool rescue reptile sanctuary. I took my son here not sure what I was going to expect but when we arrived we saw that the animals were pretty well kept and although the place is small it is packed full of reptiles. My son really liked it because he got some education during the live show and he got to touch a few of the reptiles. This was a really cool spot you should definitely check it out
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Fedora Media

We did the sloth encounter and had a once and a life time experience! We learned so much and had a wonderful time. The staff clearly love all of the animals and take such wonderful care of them. After our encounter we stayed for an animal show, these are part of the general admission and were fantastic. I would highly recommend this experience to everyone!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Crystal May

We went today to surprise a relative for her 60th birthday with the Sloth Encounter. I can't say enough good things about this place and our host Braedon. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. The animals there are clearly very cared for and treated with the utmost respect and kindness. The experience far surpassed any expectations we had. Thank you so much for a wonderful morning!
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Chris Puklicz

This was an amazing experience. We had a great time and Christian was very informative patient and so great with the kids and answering all the questions they had. This facility really cares about the animals they house, and the guided tour was nothing short of awesome. Thank you little Rays, and Christian for a memorable and awesome experience!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Charlene Dokter

The location looks dubious, but the Zoo itself is amazing. We did a private appointment this time, which was spacious, relaxed and informative. The sloth was obviously comfortable being passed around and fed by strangers. The other animals we passed were in very well maintained enclosures. The staff are extremely well trained and knowledgeable.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Elena Luzhanoffsky

Great place to go with a kid on a rainy day or for a date. Lots of different animals, all of them are being kept in great condition. Employees are incredible - they are very knowledgeable about the animals and bring them to you to meet and touch. Loved It there! It was my baby's first time at the zoo and he loved every second of it as well!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Caren Funnell

I would recommend Little Ray's to anyone looking for an informative and entertaining place to learns about reptiles and animals. Our family went there for a private tour, as it was my youngest son's birthday. Known as The Reptile Man, Paul was funny, engaging and gave us some unique hands on experiences that the kids would never have had elsewhere. It was a memorable night for the family. Highly recommended to all.

  • Cindy Prosser

We took my grandson for a private tour for his birthday at 4pm on Oct 10th. Ashley was our guide and she was terrific. You could really tell how much she cared about all the reptiles and how knowledgeable she was. My grandson and all of us totally enjoyed the tour. I would highly recommend anyone going to Little Rays. Was great!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Queen B

Visiting Little Rays Reptile Zoo was unforgettable experience as we got to hold and pet numerous lizards and snakes. Our curator Sophie was vey knowledgeable and was very patient and caring with the children who chose to pet and hold the reptiles. We also were thrilled to see the sloths and alligator and crocodile.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Lee Edwards

AMAZING!! My 10 year old grandson loves anything sloth related. The fact that he could feed and hold a real sloth for 40 minutes was the best experience we have had together. Our adventure continued with us holding a TARANTULA and 3 snakes, petting an alligator, ferret, tortoise and an armadillo. Shows to watch and information to read at each reptile enclosure. A great day we will remember forever.

  • Amber Letourneau

We did the private sloth encounter (pre booked) with Amy the handler and Iris the sloth. It was an amazing experience for myself, my husband, and our oldest daughter. Iris is adorable with just the right amount of sass!! Would recommend to everyone! Little Rays is amazing!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Donna Lupien

We went for the sloth experience . Was amazing from beginning to the end . It’s a day we will never forget and loved our meet and greet with Iris. The staff are so knowledgeable and made the experience even better. I can’t thank you enough .
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Deborah Chu

Paul was amazing and so punny. He was knowledgeable about all the reptiles and animals. Learned a lot and had a great time with my sister and her friend. He also creates amazing artwork for the shop! Was nice getting to know him, seeing all the animals and reptiles as well as getting to meet sloths. Great experience. …

  • Cindy Puklicz

We have started gifting experiences to our grand kids instead of toys that will break or they will grow out of. Memories last a life time. We took our 6 year old grandson for a private tour as a birthday gift. We all enjoyed the tour immensely. Christian was a great tour guide. Thanks for the experience!!

  • Dawn Titular

We love this place. Aside from seeing the reptiles, they also offer presentations of different animals where you have the chance to touch and feel them. My 3 year old daughter loved the overall experience. Paul, our presenter, was very funny and knowledgeable. Kudos to the team.

  • OJ A

A little hot inside (expected though) aa an FYI for first times but other than that we had a fantastic time. Thank you so much to V. My nephew was shy at first but the way she interacted with us during the shows had him come out of shell and jump for joy at times. More

  • Kristina Law

Me and my son had a great time here, Paul was such a amazing speaker, very informative and great with the kids. My son is a life long animal Lover so truly enjoyed this experience
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Amanda Konrad

We had Little Rays Reptiles Zoo come out and do our Children's Christmas Party for the Millwright Local 1916. They did a wonderful job, everyone enjoyed the show and gave me great feedback. I will book again for other events.
Visited on
Weekend

  • Crosby Griffin

We did a private tour for my sons birthday today and he absolutely loved it. It was amazing !!! Well worth the money for the private tour. I forgot to get the girls name who did our tour but she was awesome. Very knowledgeable and super friendly !

  • Nathalie Douglas

We did the private tour and it was amazing! Thank you much to Paul and Mya and the other ladies who were so kind and patient to my children who are both autistic. My son age 6 had the best time and loved having the entire place to himself. More

  • Sarah Sarfraz

What an amazing experience we had yesterday!! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about every animal we encountered. We had the sloth experience with private tour. We were very pleased considering Covid is on going they have everything in

  • Lauren

Really enjoyed this place. It is small but they do put on interactive shows, depends on time of day you go. I'm sure could call ahead to see timing. The staff are very knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions. Was pleased to be

  • Jaymie Rosen

Little Rays is so much fun! I signed up for the Sloth Experience, and got to meet Iris! Braedon, our guide, was super friendly and knowledgable. I got to cuddle and feed Iris -- it was so adorable. I've always wanted to see a sloth in

  • rebecca scholl

Had a fantastic time at Little Ray's Reptile Zoo in Hamilton. It's located in a bit of a sketchy neighbourhood but don't let looks deceive you. Once you're inside you are transformed into another world. Way more to see than what I

  • escott60

An awesome experience. Our guide was fantastic Brayden sorry if I spelt your name wrong. He has a love for the animals and you could feel that positive energy from him and great at giving information and answering questions.

  • Elle De

Amazing experience with my daughter. We will miss the snakes and alligators travelling to better homes! Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Lynn Morgan

My sister and I along with our 2 cousins did The Behind The Scenes tour this afternoon and had a great time. It was awesome seeing all the animals/reptiles plus the staff are great as well. Thank you so much. Josh D

  • Alyssa Baird

Absolutely amazing facility, the staff are all friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about what they do. You can tell they truly care about the animals and the job they are doing! ❤️

  • Carol Linde

Took my daughter for her birthday and had a private vip tour. It was alot of fun! Learned alot actually!! Held and interacted with alot of really amazing reptiles as fuzzies

  • Mary

This is a fun experience for kids and adults alike. You get up close and personal with the animals in conjunction with staff which is nice. Staff is very knowledgeable. More

  • Kasia K

Great experience for kids of all ages. The staff present various animals and they do a great job in interacting with the kids allowing them to touch some animals.

  • phe kitten

Wonderful experience! Staff are really great. Learned alot
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Nicole Grant

Great experience with my family here, this is a reptile sanctuary so all animals were rescued and they do not offer animals for sale.