East Bay Vivarium

I took my nephew into the Vivarium to show him some of the incredible snakes and lizards they have there, big mistake, the staff behind the counter smelled of alcohol and marijuana. I waited in line just long enough to see that the staff takes partying more seriously than the health of the animals. I asked to speak with the manager and found the source of the smell. I think his name was Shaun or John, either way I won't be going back and I would ask the ownership to tighten up on the booze and marijuana unless that's the product they are selling.

Posted 11/19/09 | Report Abuse

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This place has a great selection of animals. I've purchased several different kinds of reptiles over the years, and most of the staff is pretty helpful. The only problem I've ever had here is with one person, every time I've been there he's been rude and reeks of alcohol. He also gave me erroneous info with regards to the care of my boa. I do recommend this place, just stay away from Shawn, he seems to have a drinking problem and I hope those in charge will take note and do something about it. I go out of my way of this guy because he's offensive and I don't like my kids around that.

Posted 09/15/09 | Report Abuse

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The only place I know of that has the most lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs, and spiders than animal planet on T.V. It's almost a jungle in this place when I go inside. The staff are great and patient with all the unknowledgeable questions I have for them. My nephew loves it when I take him here for a visit.

Posted 11/23/05 | Report Abuse

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I think East Bay Vivarium has the largest selection of reptiles anywhere. It wouldn't surprise me if they had more than the museums or zoos. They have snakes, rodents, lizards, and many more. The staff have know and have information for complete care of anything you buy there. Prices are good and location is right off the freeway.

Posted 11/18/05 | Report Abuse

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Even if you don't want to purchase animals, if you just want to just browse, this is a pretty awesome place. Giant snakes, lizards, insects...it's got everything a 10 year old boy (and sometimes girl) needs to be terribly happy.

Posted 10/31/05 | Report Abuse

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This place should charge to get in here. They have some of the wildest animals you can own in your home. These reptiles are hard to find and the staff knows a lot about each one. The service here is great and knowledgeable. I haven't purchased anything from here but only go here to visit.

Posted 09/15/05 | Report Abuse

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East Bay Vivarium is an awesome place located close to the freeway exit off of University. It is on 5th St near plenty of shopping shops around. Parking sometimes can be a pain in the butt beacause of that, but is well worth the experience when you get inside. They a variety of reptiles and some of hard to find ones that you don't see at the chain store pet shops like Pet's Mart. The staff are cool and very experienced and knowledgeable. I would recommend the place even for a visit and experience.

PROS: Variety of reptiles
CONS: Parking

Posted 08/20/05 | Report Abuse

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Want a reptile? Don't bother with Petco or some other giant chain--those people treat their snakes and lizards terribly, and worse, have no idea how to care for the animals they're selling. Plus, their stock is usually of poor quality.

Go to the East Bay Vivarium instead! Pythons? Monitors? Iguanids? They're all here, and the staff is quite knowledgable and responsible. The prices are decent, though not amazing. However, it's better to spend a little more to get a better animal.

Posted 06/28/05 | Report Abuse

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What can one say about snakes, lizards, turtles, geicos and more from around the world, all under one roof? It is fascinating, educational and sometimes scary! The East Bay Vivarium has a highly educated staff that treats their inventory of exotic species more humanely than most humans treat other humans. A pleasure to tour or to buy from.

Posted 06/04/05 | Report Abuse

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This place is crazy, I don't know if I'm at a pet store or at the petting zoo! They specialize in unique pets such as reptiles, scorpions, lizzards and snakes.

If you ever wanted to get a Python pet snake, this is the place to go and get one or if you just want information on acquiring a pet this is also the place to go as the staff is very knowledgable and helpful in assisting you.

PROS: Staff Knowledge
CONS:

Posted 04/23/05 | Report Abuse

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This is an outstanding and unique shop specializing in reptiles. They have quite a variety of different-sized lizzards and snakes and can help you find the pet that is best suited to your personality and lifestyle.
I buy vitamins, heat-lights, etc. for my pet lizzard at this shop. I also have boarded him there when I went on vacation.
Aside from visiting this shop for the necessities mentioned above, I love to visit just to look at all of the different animals. The chameleons are my favorites, they remind me of wise old men. I also always take out-of-town guests here as part of my personalized sight-seeing tour. This place is just "so very Berkeley", I think it really exemplifies the feel and personality of this whole town. A must-see, even if you don't want to buy anything! Also a good sight-seeing opportunity for kids.
I do hope I'm never in this shop when an earthquake hits!

PROS: You can't get
CONS: I do hope I'm never in this shop when an earthquake hits!

Posted 04/23/05 | Report Abuse

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They sell everything from scorpions to 20ft Pythons.

This is a great place for all of you who want to own something more exciting than a dog or cat. They have a huge selection of all kinds of creatures and also offer a cheap boarding service to house your bugs or reptiles when you go away on vacation.

The people who work their are as colourful as the animals they care for.

Posted 04/16/05 | Report Abuse

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