Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Barton.
Hi andrew, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
fter decades of planning and dreaming we finally opened our doors in the heart of the Central Coast in Grover Beach! We’re home to over 50 reptiles, amphibians, insects and Lorikeets!
Our mission is to provide you with an engaging and interactive experience with animals.
Andrew first fell in love with Reptiles at about age 5. He spent his early childhood growing up in Louisiana where he enjoyed catching turtles, frogs, snakes and fish. Since then he’s kept and bred many species of reptiles. In 2007 he started an educational reptile company, Roaming Reptiles, where they did hundreds of reptile shows for schools, birthdays, libraries and other events.
After passing Roaming Reptiles to someone else, he went to work at the #1 reptile manufacturer in the world, Zoo Med! He enjoyed 12 years there before deciding to open the zoo in 2026!
Locally owned family run business!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The struggles of opening a business are tough. So many unexpected costs and delays. Overall it’s been worth it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’ve been keeping reptiles since i was a kid. I thoroughly enjoy being around them and caring for them. I worked for Zoo Med in San Luis Obispo for 12 years. They are one of the biggest reptile product manufacturer in the world.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up in Louisiana catching turtles, snakes and other critters on the bayou. Moved to California in about 5th grade where i continued to pursue the outdoors in Bakersfield along the Kern River.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bksreptilezoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bksreptilezoo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/BKs-Reptiles-and-Zoo/100088303571251/
