Attractions
From Pet Store to Reptile Haven: The Evolution of Prehistoric Pets
From Local Attraction to Internet Sensation: The Rise of The Reptile Zoo and Its Impact on Reptile Education and Awareness.
June 12th, 2024
Prehistoric Pets is nothing short of a must-see hidden gem with a huge following in Fountian Valley, California. It started off as a pet store, but owner Jay Brewer began to see enthusiasm for reptiles from customers so that became the focus. This led to the addition of “The Reptile Zoo,” which gave way to access to a wider range of reptiles that he could showcase. With their zoo license, they were now able to possess and showcase reptiles that aren’t available to your standard pet store. This includes alligators, crocodiles and many types of venomous reptiles.
The Reptile Zoo showcases a wide array of reptiles that gives the reptile section of any zoo a run for their money. Guests have an opportunity to get up close and personal with many different types of reptiles from around the world. The main focus is on education and giving the public a different perspective on animals that aren’t so mainstream.
The Reptile Zoo instantly became a huge hit. As the demand increased, the store began to buy out neighboring stores in the shopping plaza for expansion of its facilities. This continued over the decades, especially during the financial crisis of 2008 when nearby stores were foreclosing. For a small fee you can visit the showroom and see the wide world of reptiles. They offer many opportunities for hands on encounters, educational sessions and are available for all types of events. As the years have gone by, they have been asked to share their animals for movies, television and many unique attractions around the country. Their animals have been used for music videos, stunts and even a kiss from a snake when Sean “Poopies” McInerney accepted an award for the Jackass movie at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.
The age of social media helped springboard the brand to a whole other level. They became a viral hit with a series of unique videos of their captive creatures as well as the very likable personality of Jay Brewer. Videos of feedings, egg hatchings and various one-of-a-kind reptile/human interactions quickly propelled the online brand to millions of subscribers. As a result, viewers can see the humanization and personalities of these lovable animals that are usually cast aside as dangerous. During Covid, when the zoo could not have guests, the social media platforms kept the Reptile Zoo in business with its monetization. Covid also saw an increase in subscribers, most likely because of people at home browsing the depths of the internet. If that wasn’t enough, the expansion of demographics soon led to a deal for a television series on Roku TV, which they are working on a second season.
Whether you are a reptile fanatic or not, Prehistoric Pets and The Reptile Zoo are a must see if you are traveling to the area. The store gives anyone a new educational perspective on the world of reptiles and pets. The odds are very likely you will see something you have never seen before, and it might change your mind on the possibilities of a new pet.
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
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With Juliette Brewer of Prehistoric Pets ©South Florida Insider
The wildly immersive exhibition brings glowing sculptures, larger-than-life installations, and playful wonder to Mana Wynwood.
May 18, 2026
The internationally celebrated Balloon Museum has officially made its Miami debut with Pop Air: Art is Inflatable, a bright, bold, and wildly imaginative exhibition now open at Mana Wynwood Convention Center. This immersive art experience brings together giant inflatable installations, glowing sculptures, digital environments, and interactive works that turn a museum visit into a full-on adventure.
From the moment guests step inside, Pop Air Miami feels like a dreamy playground for the senses. It is colorful, surprising, and wonderfully larger than life, with each room inviting visitors to walk, wander, look up, move closer, and fully experience the artwork around them. This is not the kind of exhibit where you stand quietly in the corner and nod thoughtfully. This is art you feel, explore, and definitely photograph.
Opening night offered a special VIP after-hours experience with drinks, a private tour, and a closer look at the creative vision behind the exhibition. The result was a night that felt playful, polished, and very Miami, with guests moving through glowing worlds and oversized installations that made every turn feel like a new discovery.
Among the standout pieces is Hypercosmo, an immersive light-and-sound environment that surrounds guests in a futuristic, otherworldly atmosphere. Another must-see moment is Mariposa, a glowing 26-foot butterfly powered by more than 39,000 LEDs. It is dramatic, beautiful, and exactly the kind of dazzling centerpiece that makes people stop mid-conversation and reach for their phones.
What makes Balloon Museum Miami especially fun is how easy it is to enjoy for almost anyone. Kids will love the scale, color, and playful energy. Adults will appreciate the design, creativity, and international artistry. Content creators will have plenty to capture. Families, couples, friends, and art lovers can all find something to love inside this inflatable world.
The exhibition fits perfectly in Wynwood, a neighborhood already known for murals, creativity, and immersive experiences. But Pop Air: Art is Inflatable brings something different to Miami’s art scene. It is soft and spectacular, lighthearted and impressive, and filled with moments that make you feel like you have wandered into a world where imagination took up all the space.
Whether you are planning a family outing in Miami, looking for a fun Wynwood date night, searching for things to do in Miami this weekend, or just want a new immersive art experience to add to your list, Balloon Museum Miami is an easy yes.
To step inside the inflatable world for yourself, tickets and details are available at https://tickets.balloonmuseum.world/miami/
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