Exotic Underworlds

Alyssa Bridges

2024-02

HEARTBREAKINGI am compelled to write this review after a deeply disturbing visit to Exotic Underworlds, a place I wish I could erase from my memory. From the moment my boyfriend and I stepped inside, we were hit by an unbearable stench, a clear harbinger of the negligence we were about to witness. Our hearts sank as we encountered a solitary clownfish in a grimy tank, devoid of an anemone companion or any semblance of cleanliness. But this was just the beginning of a series of harrowing sights.As we moved on, we saw rats confined in squalid cages, seemingly forgotten, with no food or water in sight. The surrounding shelves were coated in dust, cluttered with empty boxes – a testament to the apathy that reigns here. The merchandise selection was pitifully sparse, signaling a business that has all but given up on providing for the basic needs of the animals or their potential adopters.The reptile section brought us to tears. The neglect here was so severe; it was as if compassion had never crossed the threshold of this establishment. Bedding, soiled and unchanged for what looked like months, water bowls empty or filled with filth, and every reptile plagued with mites. Our hearts broke for a ball python, so visibly stressed and terrified, without a single hide to offer it solace or security. The cold touch of another ball python we handled confirmed our worst fears: adequate heating was non-existent, leaving these cold-blooded creatures to suffer through the chill, especially after hours.Against my better judgment, I couldn't leave without rescuing one of the ball pythons, now our "project snake," infested with mites to the point of affecting her eyes. This rescue comes with the heavy burden of rehabilitation, a cost we bear out of love and a deep sense of injustice for the condition in which we found her.This store is a prison of despair for every creature it houses. The negligence, the sheer disregard for life, is appalling, unacceptable, and utterly heartbreaking. We vow never to return and implore anyone reading this to steer clear, to not support a business that treats living beings with such contempt. The conditions at Exotic Underworlds are not just deplorable; they are cruel. This place doesn't just need an inspection; it needs to be shut down.To those in charge of Exotic Underworlds, know that your actions, or rather your inaction, have consequences. To potential customers, please look elsewhere to find a pet. Support businesses that respect and nurture life, not those that exploit it. Our experience here was a wake-up call to the dark side of the pet industry, and it is one I hope no other animal lover ever has to endure.

Clare Bensley

2024-05

Utterly shocked to what I walked into today, visiting from the U.K. and was very excited to see an ‘American reptile shop’… poor squalid conditions, snakes thick with mites and very skinny, blue tongue skink also full of mites and very malnourished (bones showing in its tail from starvation/ parasites) along with the poorly baby bearded dragon. Not a single one has suitable uvb/ heating sources, how does a shop expect a dragon needing 110f for a basking spot to survive without a working one? Not only that, not a single enclosure in the reptiles, mammals or fish sections was clean, everything was filthy everywhere. Even the axolotls gills was totally burnt off from the high levels of ammonia. Very very sad, there is 0 reason or excuse to why the shop is so dirty, animals lives depend on you. Can 100% guarantee any animal purchased from here which I’ve seen today, will have a very painful short life unless purchased and by responsible owners and taken straight to a vet.

Savannah Kim

2024-04

Got this cute little guy today!! This is my go to pet store for any reptile. They also have birds fish and bunnies . The staff are amazing

alyssa phillips

2024-02

When I bought my baby bearded dragon my grandmother was with me. The worker that sold me the bearded dragon never even had me look in the tank let alone pick my own pet. I never even saw them. When I asked for advice, even tho I have prior experience, I was told, “just husband it” and told to have a good day. Less than 2 weeks later my baby bearded dragon is dead. I was taking amazing care and being consistent and this was still the end result. I called the store to see if any of the others from the same batch have reported any problems so I can figure out what happened. I was told she was going to talk to the manager and get back to me. When she did, all she said was no one else has said anything “so I don’t know what happened” and that was all. I ended the call and will never be returning. If you want a healthy pet do not go here. I was so excited for this experience and 2 weeks later I have to bury him.

Janet Williams

2024-02

My granddaughter moved here 4 months ago and all she talked about was getting a bearded dragon. Several of her friends had them and she was used to helping take care of them for years. She went to work and immediately began saving her money. The day she had enough she bought a tank, lights, thermometer and many other things and then went here to get her bearded dragon. I, personally, was not impressed with the store. Though the people we talked to were friendly, the store itself seemed very unkempt and the aquariums all looked dirty. The baby bearded dragons had just come in that day and she was so excited to get him home and start becoming a responsible pet owner. She spent days thinking of a name and sending pics of her "baby" to her friends. Anytime she had any kind of question she called other friends who had lizards and did her own research. She was forming a relationship when she woke this morning to her dead baby. She was devastated. She called the store to try and get some answer as to what may have happened and if they had any reports of others from the same batch either getting sick or dying. The girl she spoke to talked to her manager and just said "none of the others from that batch had died so I don't know." That was it. At the very least they could have offered sympathy and to replace the bearded dragon. She's 22 yrs old and the money she spent was a lot for her just to have it die in 2 weeks. For people that supposedly love animals there was a surprising lackadaisical attitude and no offer to even try to make it right. I realize it's not their fault, that animals sometimes just die, but customer service should be a main component of a business, especially a small business and and they were just like "oh well." "Word of mouth" can make or break a business and I will never recommend this place to anyone. I had hoped to be able to give it a 5⭐️ review but now I wouldn't give it a 1⭐️ except it won't let you give the review without giving one. Very disappointing experience.

Star Flower

2023-05

I get live mice here almost every week for my snake as well as mealworms and crickets for my leopard gecko. The feeders they carry, especially the mice are really high in quality. The animals that they have here are also really well treated. Attached are some pictures of the snakes.

Lieutenant Volk

2024-03

Some of the worst looking saltwater tanks I’ve ever seen. Riddled with brown algae and some sad looking fish. This store definitely went downhill when the original owner left. Hardly any stock and prices through the roof. Is anyone cleaning this place? It stinks because the tanks aren’t being kept up with… and what other animals they do have could be provided better.*Also maybe not ask $950 for an adult untame sun conure and then hit the cage when it screams.Definitely won’t be back here. Absolutely no point. Unless you wanna destroy your saltwater tank I wouldn’t be buying any fish from here. When Petco sells better looking fish you have some obvious problems.

Robert Norton

2024-02

The place stinks of dead fish, feces and mildew from the moment you hit the door. The water quality in many tanks is poor. I didn't waste much time here. this is how they take care of the animals they intend to sell. I really don't know how they got a 4.7 star rating.

P. Allen Grizzard

2024-02

What happened?Once beautiful healthy fish and well stocked. Two days ago shocking dirty tanks, low stock and several tanks that had fish were distressed and sick with ick. And the fish were for sale. The staff unfriendly and when I pointed out ick and fin rot disease the middle older guy behind counter was offensive. The young lady that helped me had no knowledge about fish. Sweet girl but should not be working in a pet shop.So dirty and nasty I just wanted to get out and breath fresh air.Unsafe, unhealthy for pets and customers.

Jacob Howell

2023-11

I’m not the kind of person to write a bad review but this places saltwater sucks I bought two fish form them for $120 put them in a established tank with great perimeters they got in the tank looked kinda sick but they told me they just need to get acclimated so I didn’t worry about it too much within a week and a half both fish were dead I called them and the manager basically said that sucks you probably need more experience before buying expensive fish. So if your in the Savannah area don’t waste your time and money here drive to Richmond hill and go to coastal aquarium absolute best service best fish just don’t go to exotic underworlds

Adam G.

2023-07

This place is awesome! Amazing fish mostly and also reptiles, birds, and others. Nice staff very knowledgeable and professional.

julie Williamson

2024-02

I wouldn’t put a snail from one of these tanks into mine. The store stunk, tanks were gross, fish looked stressed or unhealthy, animal tanks were filthy, over crowded or too small.

Jeff S

2019-05

This establishment cares about their customers, their animals and their reputation. They are truly professional.I had spoken with the manager, Meagan, many times about advice on bearded dragons so I chose to purchase from them. Sure I could have gotten one more cheaply from a large box store but this business could tell me just who bred their dragons and conditions they were kept in prior to arriving.I got a baby beardie but within the first two days it became apparent that he was ill. I immediately let Meagan know and she gave me advice on things to try. The dragon continued to decline and ultimately died. Meagan worked very well with me through it all and gave me first choice on another group of beardies that she ordered (from a different supplier). That guy is doing fantastic.They were eager to make things right and keep my business. I appreciate them as a small business and encourage others to patronize them. We need more like them.

Melissa Russell

2024-03

Mel was AMAZING. She helped me figure out two freshwater setups and was very knowledgeable

Chris Nottingham

2021-05

We got 2 anemones and a royal gramma fish. The fish died before we even made it straight home. They have signs that they do not do any refunds or returns unlike all the 24 hour guarantee like the other stores have.. Fish should be able to stay in the bag atleast 12 hours.... The owner contacted me and was very apologetic. Offered to send me a check for the cost of the fish and a discount for next time. Next time we are around we will try again. The anemones are doing great!

name exe

2024-04

I absolutely loved this place but the only downside was a dead axolotl... But I did love this place!!

Morgan H

2018-05

Extremely knowledgeable staff, really cool and diverse selection, well maintained! I'm glad we randomly stopped in before grabbing some food, now we have an awesome blue crayfish named Zoro that has a hilarious personality.

deadroses vu

2022-05

I’m so glad I made a trip to this store and found this little guy had him for a couple months now and he’s such a love bug he’s spoiled lol his name is skully till he gets bigger then we shall start calling him bones:)🖤 definitely recommend u to buy your snakes at this store <3

James victor

2024-03

Bought 6 rats for my ball pythons, don't think their sizes them right for the price 😕

Matt M.

2023-09

Staff seemed friendly and knowledgeable, stock was a little low when I was there but hopefully that just means they are a local favorite and sell out of fish quickly. They did tell me they can order in fish per request. Will definitely go back and check their stock again.

Will Ragas

2020-05

Can say enough for the new management. The store was good before, but steps above now! I picked up this beauty yesterday and can't say enough for the whole experience. The store has been cleaned up and is better than ever.

Jacqueline Harber

2019-05

We love Exotic Underworlds. They are always so helpful and have great tips for caring for your animals. We picked up my son's bearded dragon today 😃

Iris Ann

2022-05

This place is awful and should be put out of business.First, I went in to look for Fancy pet mice, which they do not sell, and as I was looking the ferret had no water what so ever and no clean food and not a proper ferret cage to even be living in. Mind your self he looked very skinny and malnourishedSecondly, the bearded dragons all had parts of there tales missing and one in particular was skin and bones on its stomach dragging itself to the water bowl. Poor thing looked half dead.This place is not very good and I do not recommend buying your animals from here. To think they actually care about animals.

Matt M

2023-09

It is a nice sized store with a variety of fresh and salt water fish. Staff was very friendly and seemed knowledgeable about their stock. Orders come in on Thursdays, and I was told they will do custom orders. Prices seemed fair.

jeremy ansel

2022-05

Best place I've ever been. The quality, variety, and size of the fish is absolutely great. I bought a flowerhorn which is man made fish

Aryel Skokan

2023-05

They care about the animals they have here and who will take them. No dead or sick fish in their tanks and the tanks aren't very full, which is so great. They have a lot of supplies; it's been the only place in town I could find the larger gravel I wanted for my fish tank. We got a small goldfish here to be friends with another goldfish we won at the fair. It's doing well and is such a cute fish! Love this place

Don Adcock

2017-05

Faithful patron until "burnt". I asked the owner about this Scolymia and the cohabitation of the current inhabitants of my tank. The Scoly lasted 3 months. I paid over $100 for it. My pistol shrimp, and albino hermit crab .... in that order, caused this beautiful specimen's demise. When telling the owner, before purchasing, about my tank stock his response was, "if you position the Scoly so no sand gets dumped on him ... he will be fine". I moved the coral all over the tank ... the predators followed. Actually, some of my own fault. After experiencing problems I did more research. Scolys will typically succumb to these tank mates. With this said, a have several thriving corals, a beautiful Mandarin and Royal Gramma I purchased from this store. Hoyt is fairly knowledgeable. Ask for him.

Megan Powers

2023-05

I will NEVER go to the big box stores for any fish needs again! I got so much advice and information on how to properly set up a Betta tank and they're so much CHEAPER than the box store! Y'all have earned a customer for life!

Jacki Larsh

2023-07

Sold me a Pineapple Cheeked Conure as a Sun Conure plus a cage stand that literally fell apartThen am told to bring back bird I got in trade for SunThen am told if I want Sun Conure it would be $450 moreWill not recommend this placeAm keeping bird I ended up with rather than it end up back with these peopleThey might try selling it as a Blue Macaw lolThey did offer me a bag of bird food and a toy to make up for stand

Sarah Scardina

2023-05

So I usually go here to get crickets and a small rat for my snake. The last time I ordered online my boyfriend had made a mistake and ordered the wrong thing... After a confusion I apologize and so that I would have to order another one or my boyfriend would have to come get one but since then I placed two online orders and it's like they are ignoring my order completely together. I put two orders in for the same thing and I usually have no problems with them but for some reason I can't seem to get a manager on the phone or get anyone to call me back about bringing out my order or refunding my money.. having a loyal guest here for going on a year now. I would hate to have to go somewhere else over something so petty. All I know is I've given him $30 and haven't received service or any information telling me that they're not going to bring me the small rat that I ordered and the crickets.. My main concern is from a snake. It's hard for me to get to the other side of the city because I work a high salary job and that I'm required to be at a certain place in time by the time I get off work it's already almost 6:00 and they are closed at 7:00 and if I have to come up there I guess I will but in that case I might as well go to a different place by that time I just need some type of communication for them to tell me whether or not I'm going to get a refund any type of communication would be nice