Serpent Safari closes after 15 years

Local Boy Scouts and other children won’t be able to attend Serpent Safari’s camps this summer. That’s because the reptile zoo in Gurnee Mills closed for good April 17.

The reptile zoo was asked to leave by Gurnee Mills so the mall’s wing could be redesigned for high-end fashion because Macy’s is coming, said Joan Singer, the zoo’s general manager.

The 14-day eviction notice from Gurnee Mills Mall came as a shock, said Singer, who has been in the mall for 15 years.

Many of the zoo’s animals, including rare albino snakes and a Nile crocodile, will be moved to Serpent Safari’s other location in Wisconsin Dells.

The reptile zoo was negotiating with mall officials about relocating to another place in the mall, but Singer said they have decided to close for good.

Randy Ebertowski, general manager at Gurnee Mills, said, “We value the many years that Serpent Safari has been at Gurnee Mills, which is why we have been working for months to seek a solution for them to stay.”

Ebertowski added that the mall is completing significant renovations that will include adding new stores and dining options.

Singer said, “Relocation in the mall is too expensive, especially after our initial buildout. We thought our home was there for many more years. We’re so sad to say goodbye after 15 years in business. We’re also sad that the next generation of reptile lovers won’t be able to enjoy our rare and giant creatures.”

Singer estimated relocation within the mall would have cost the zoo $900,000. Serpent Safari had specialized housing for its animals that is impossible to move, she said.

Singer said she has received an outpouring of emails and Facebook posts in response to the closing.
Many of Serpent Safari's Facebook friends questioned Gurnee Mills' decision and expressed sadness.

Singer shared this email, from long-time customer Staci Gue: “We have come to Gurnee Mills Mall at least once a year for as many years as I can remember and always visit the Serpent Safari. It is part of our family tradition . . .  My four-year old [...] is just starting to learn about the reptiles and truly enjoys being Safari Abby when we come visit. We are going to have a very sad little girl the next time we head up that direction and she finds out that she cannot be Safari Abby.”

When it wasn’t clear if the store would close or relocate, Cari Roberson, employee of five years, said “I was shocked when I found out we’re closing. People come from all over the country just to see us. I’m a full-time student, and if it wasn’t for the flexibility of this place, I wouldn’t be able to put myself through school.” Roberson said she may have to take time off college.

Roberson said customers are upset, sad or mad. “They think our location near Rainforest Cafe is perfect. A lot of people [came] in to say goodbye,” she said.

Singer said, "We had a great group of women over the years working here and saving for school or putting themselves through school. It's a very sad experience for all of us."
The staff had a farewell party April 19.