Once called the Reptile House, this building was constructed in 1927. The Reptile House was renovated 50 years later, and today, it is home to more than 700 animals. In 2002, the Reptile House was renamed the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium in honor of the Zoo's Director Emeritus.
The Herpetarium supports four climates – montane, temperate, tropical and desert – allowing the building to be home for many different species of reptiles and amphibians from around the world, many of which are in danger of extinction.