Rutland welcomes new interactive animal exhibit with almost 80 species

A new reptile and amphibian exhibit in Rutland opened last Friday with nearly 80 species on display, and owner Alex Knapp says it will also act as a rescue and host weekly Friday evening education events.

A new reptile and amphibian exhibit has opened in Rutland. After years of planning, owner Alex Knapp welcomed the public last Friday to the Captain Aquatics Fins and Scales Exhibit. Knapp says he has been fascinated with animals since childhood and that the project fulfills a long-held dream. He describes the exhibit as both an educational space and a regional rescue for animals from around New England. What we know: - The exhibit displays nearly 80 reptile and amphibian species. - Owner Alex Knapp said the project began as a childhood dream and opened to the public last Friday. - The Captain Aquatics Fins and Scales Exhibit also accepts animals from around New England as a rescue and rehabilitation space. - Knapp said his goal is to educate visitors about often-overlooked species and give them exposure to animals not typically found nearby. - The exhibit is open Tuesday through Sunday during the day and will host weekly themed education events on Friday nights at 7 p.m. - Knapp said he plans to add more species to the exhibit over time. Summary: The new exhibit provides a local venue for people to see and learn about a wide range of reptiles and amphibians while also serving rescue needs in the region. Mr. Knapp plans to expand the collection over time and will continue weekly Friday evening education programs as part of the exhibit's offerings.