Zoo-Tropic Exotics

Andrew Simpson

2024-03

So first off, this place is amazing. Steven was fantastic and the other employees were great. We were just going to let my daughter get her bearded dragon fix and she ended up falling in love with Aurora. Steven went into great detail with us about her history since she was a surrender and didn’t spare any of the potential “issues” that may have stopped another family from adopting her. Additionally, he let my daughter hold Aurora and make sure they wouldn’t clash or have a bad reaction, including letting her run around the store with my daughter. He answered all of our questions the day of, as well as the following day when we wanted clarification on her set up at home and what she needed for care.This place is honest and well run, and you can tell how much care Steven puts into taking care of the reptiles and other animals he has. I will 100% be getting future care items from here, and when the time comes to get another reptile I won’t even consider anywhere else. I end up driving way out of my way to come here for the honesty and service Steven and his team provide. I can’t recommend this place highly enough.

Michael V (Mike)

2023-12

It may sound hyperbolic, but I would give Zoo-Tropics 6 stars if it was possible. I've never been to a pet store where the owner's care for their animals was so apparent. The shop is clean, and each habitat is thoughtfully designed and well-maintained.Any concerns about care are further quelled as the owner Steven seems happy to introduce you by hand to any animal it's appropriate to handle. The numerous animals that are not for sale and are there to love and be loved almost make the shop feel more like a wildlife preserve or zoo than a business. It's truly one-of-a-kind in the area. I'm no collector, but I gather that if you like the more exotic and rare species, Steven has you set.On top of the habitats are the customer service. This place goes above and beyond to make sure you're making the right choices and are equipped for success, in terms of knowledge and equipment. I saw firsthand how Steven prioritizes animal well-being (which ultimately works out for the owner too) over just "making a sale", and I think that's a rare thing these days in any business. Pics are of the Beardie I bought, as well as my toddler's adventures across a couple visits.

Gwen Knoop

2023-12

My son and I were checking out different reptile stores and we are new to this and when we went into Zoo-Tropic and met the owner Steven, we felt comfortable, no pressure and he answered all of our questions. My son ended up “adopting” a corn snake and Steven knew her personality, which is awesome! The next reptile will be a fat tail gecko and Steven is our guy! Highly recommend going here if you are looking for any reptiles. 😃

Josette Martin

2023-12

Great service! Great prices! I love how the owner Stephen is very personable, knowledgeable and helpful! We have 2 snakes from here! You can tell all his animals are well taken care of! We will continue to be loyal customers to purchase our reptile food from him! I recently had a bad experience at another pet store purchasing food items for my snake and the food items are not as good as this reptile store ! I won’t find any other store that cares for their customers!

Enrique Turelio “Rikki” Arroyo

2024-01

Incredible selection of inverts and reptiles alike; the owner is super cool and is always fun to talk to when I come by for feeder insects.He recommended me my first tarantula (a GBB) and I have fallen in love with her. I just bought a curly hair from him as well and I'm super excited to see what else he brings into the store.Incredible place for exotic pet needs, I always find myself coming back- no other place competes with this one in the area!

Jordan Falk

2023-12

This is by far one of if not the best reptile store I've been to- all the animals are well cared for in enclosures that should be a staple for the industry and beautifully done at that. I'd definitely recommend making a stop if you need any supplies (or maybe a new friend!)

Theresa Marotta

2024-01

I am so grateful to have found this place, where we adopted our newest family member, Tortellini (aka Jennifer Slopez), a Hermanns tortoise that has added so much joy to our family. We had looked at other places, but their tortoises didn't seem "happy", nor did their owners know as much about their care.Steven has such passion for the animals he cares for, and it shows. His displays are thoughtfully designed with each animal's needs in mind. He continued to take care of Tortellini while we got the supplies needed, set up the enclosure, etc. He patiently answered my numerous questions about her care as a first-time tortoise parent, wanting us to be successful. He made himself available to answer any concerns we had after we took her home. He made sure that we were prepared to give her the right care for her breed and her needs.As stated earlier, we have been to other pet stores that specialize in reptiles, but none of them compare to Zoo-Tropics. This is definitely the place that I trust to give the best advice and care for their animals, and will be a customer for years to come.

Robbie Hoyler

2023-08

This store is one of a kind. It is run by Steven alone and has some of the rarest pets in the trade. Every single cage was decorated and thought out for the species, and you can tell he cares immensely for all of his animals. The store was clean and odor free, which is hard for a reptile store! He even engaged with the kids who came in and made them balloon animals. I'm glad I stopped in when I was in town, you should do the same if you love animals!

Alanna Fasi

2024-01

Hi! Got an adult blue tongue skink (who is doing very well) I’m so glad I found this store, every enclosure was set up perfectly. It’s clear the store is knowledgeable and gives every animal the best care. The owner was incredibly helpful and kind. I highly recommend. This would be Lulu, she’s still adjusting. Thanks for helping me find her

Kolton Vanderwerf

2023-11

After 3 or 4 trips to this store I have a pretty good idea of how to evaluate this store. It's easily one of the top Exotics Pet Stores in the Chicago Suburbs. I think it's got room to grow for sure but the bones are here for growth to being the best in state. (I didn't stutter, this store swings for the fences and can dance with the best of them in Chicago.)This store actually tries to focus on only reptiles, amphibians and some arachnids, insects and other such creepy crawlers. The owner is doing it all pretty much alone yet his displays are arguably the best in Chicago. I would go so far as to suggest that he could start his own zoo like Snake Discovery as his drive to give his creatures excellent lives is clear in his dedication and precision to creating better enclosures. His enclosures are easily the most creative and nuanced I've seen in a pet shop. He has made me want to build enclosures myself.His exotic selection is excellent and often better than any competing business. I have purchased 3 of his snakes in the last year and all have been healthy, and active additions to our home. I want to buy his whip tail scorpions too as they were the calmest ones I've seen. He's just legitimately trying to share his love of animals and keep the lights on.Stop by and be prepared to see some animals you can't find at other pet shops. Just be warned, Steven is legitimately a good person and between him chatting to you and his critters bewitching you, you're going to go home with a light wallet and dreams of the future with your new little friend.Oh, and don't forget that if you have a little one interested in reptiles you can have him teach them as I believe he offers guided tours of his shop as well as birthday parties with safe, calm animals from his personal collection. He can better do this with advanced notice as some days he has 2 or 3 kids begging to see and hold the animals. I saw this in person, I'm not his ad agent. I'm merely jealous that he's somehow doing this.There ya go Steven, I waited to review you until I was sure you were who you seemed. 5 stars enough for you?Edit: Thank you so much for telling me not to give up on Fafnir the albino Bullsnake. Because you said he would still be alive and likely near shoes or warmth I kept looking and only 3 days later I found him hiding under the rack in the kitchen under a heated dog bed. I'm so happy I'm crying. I legit gave up and was mourning my baby... Seriously dude. You gave me the encouragement to not give up on him. Also you sold him to me so you want him to reach adulthood for those glow up photos! :-)

Joe martin

2023-08

Best shop in the northwest suburbs. Best prices by FAR!Great service, very knowledgeable and friendly.We used to go to Chief Reptile, we'll be coming only here from now on.Zoo-Tropic is clean, smells normal and nice (for a reptile shop), and has a better selection than other shops in the area.

Caidn G

2024-04

Took my enclosure in for my gargoyle gecko to get redone and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Did such a great job and I couldn’t ask for anything more out of it!

April Proksa

2024-01

My sister first introduced me to Zoo Tropics when I was running low on feeders. Upon my first visit I was in awe of how well maintained the store was & the large variety of animals there. Like people have stated- it does not smell, the store is very clean & all the animals are very well taken care of. During our interaction with the owner, Steven, it is obvious he is very passionate about the field & what he does. He is very knowledgeable about all the animals in his care & truly goes above and beyond to make sure you have a good experience while visiting. He is always bringing in new reptiles and is a super cool guy all around. Today when I went back in I picked up a new tarantula & I can't wait to see how they do! Will definitely be coming back continually to see what else he gets in & of course for the quality feeders he sells :)

Lauren Thomas

2023-11

This mama is extremely snake phobic but of course gave birth to a son who loves things that slither. We have been visiting Zootropics since opening and meeting all the varieties that have been offered. The boy had been drooling hard, but knew mama wasn't ready yet.Steven knew this and always welcomed our family visits assuring me, he would help once I was.Last month, hubby and I snuck out sans kids to personally see and maybe touch some critters with the hope of maybe taking one home eventually.Steven took all the time and answered all my repetitive and specific questions. I needed recommendations and had all sorts of slightly irrational scenarios. It was quite reassuring.We decided on a beautiful ball python and I think by little man's tears, we made a great choice.Thanks again Steven for being patient with my scaredy self.

Danielle Dalcerro

2024-01

Owner is super helpful! After shopping around for a tortoise for my daughter last month (even though I didn’t buy one yet)I wouldn’t do business with anyone other than this shop. He made me feel so comfortable when asking questions and was very easy going! ESPECIALLY COMPARED TO THE OTHER 3 shops I went to to research at…. This is the place! 12/10

Joanna Skelnik

2023-12

I don't even know where to begin! Walking in, I expected it to smell like reptiles but it really did not. The layout is easy to get around and there were so many animals I had never seen before! The owner was absolutely precious and knowledgeable about all the animals, including their temperaments and which kind of reptile was suitable for our lifestyles. We spent so much time in there, it felt like we were hanging out with a friend. While I'm not in a place for a scaly friend now, if or when I am, I know I'll be coming back here to get one. These guys are so well cared for and the shop is well stocked with accessories.I'm so glad we found this place!

Danielle Bennett

2024-01

I literally do not have enough nice words to say about this place. Steven, the owner, is incredibly nice, exceptionally knowledgeable and readily willing to help you with any and every question or issue you might be having. The entire staff is welcoming and friendly and the store is absolutely pristine. All of the animals are clearly well taken care of and healthy and more than fairly priced. I would highly highly highly recommend this store and its staff to anyone!!I really can not recommend this place enough!!

Adam Jakobs

2023-12

Went to the store, all 3 doors were locked with the open sign on. Had to press a RING bell to get access into the shop. Employee/owner opened the door after a minute of waiting with his dog who was barking aggressively towards all of us. This worker had no motive to talk with us or acknowledge us, sitting on his phone the whole time. All reptiles had 2-3 day old food in their bowls, if they weren't already flipped over. Most of them had absolutely no water, dry bone bowls. 5ft iguana in a 7ft tank with feces all over and no water, stating on the tank they are "waiting on a new tank" when it should be held in A APPROPRIATE TO BEGIN WITH. 12/10 DO NOT recommend this terrible shop. Hoping all the reptiles there can be replaced with actual care.

K

2023-11

This is an great place for exotic pet owners. The owner is very knowledgeable and takes excellent care of my pets. And please do not believe Adam, this place does not stink. It is obvious he has a fake account as this is the only place he has ever reviewed.

john brodersen

2023-05

Great experience on a Saturday some 3-4 weekends ago. My daughter and I had been looking around for probably a year or so decided which reptile. Owner is chill and relaxed guy who obviously care about animals. He helped us decide on BTS and the guy/girl has been amazing.

Jessika Forcucci

2023-12

The owner not only was super pleasant but allowed me to walk around the store and was super knowledgeable about his animals. I now have 2 fire skinks and a mountain horn dragon from him and they are happy and healthy. I was given advice and confidence. I have returned regularly for food and always treated like family. Highly recommend!

Caroline Hamlin

2023-05

Steven was not only knowledge and kind but offered to help me build my bio active terrarium! He hand mixed the soil and planted my plants into the terrarium! My crestie is obsessed with his new setup. Thanks, Steven! Will definitely return for all my crested gecko needs :)

Gwendolyn Petersen

2023-09

My daughter and I went to check out this pet store, I’m so glad we did! We were greeted by the owner Steven and his friendly pup Link. Steven took the time to show us around the store introducing us to a majority of the animals. He has the kind of experience and knowledge that only someone with a true passion would have. He pointed out which animals were age appropriate pets for my 4year old and allowed her to interact with them. The enclosures are all on another level, every tank you’d think was his personal pet from the amount of thought, detail, and care that go in to them. He was so awesome I felt like I was hanging out and chatting with a friend. I’ll definitely be making the trip back, I mean who else is going to know the macros of my dragon’s diet? My daughter was thrilled with the balloon animal, our bearded dragon had a feast with the food Steven suggested, and I appreciated all the advice. Keep going strong, your hard work definitely shows!

Lauren Dolehide

2023-09

Steven is a delight, very friendly, and clearly knowledgeable about his reptiles. I enjoy every time I stop by to get feeders, there's a good variety of reptiles to check out every time and there always seems to be something interesting going on whether it's a new animal or updates on animals or misc., there's always something. I'd recommend anyone looking for reptiles, supplies, or feeders to check the store out.Also I'm always impressed how the store doesn't smell like a reptile store! I'd gotten accustomed to the reptile "smell" at other shops, so it's a welcome surprise to not find it here!

Ryan Mateja

2023-10

Awesome place! Every time I go my kids beg to go since they love to see Link, his dog. Steven always takes the time to show them a few things, which they really enjoy. The balloon animals he made them were a hit too! The amount of different reptiles he has is impressive. Steven is incredibly knowledgeable about reptiles and takes the time to explain everything. I went in intimidated about converting my crested gecko enclosure to a bioactive one. He explained how easy it is, and sold me everything I needed. I can't recommend this place enough!

Kate Barta

2023-05

My family and I recently visited zoo-tropic exotics with our homeschool group. I'm no expert on reptiles but I was impressed with this store. It was very well kept, you can tell the owner, steven puts his heart into this business + animals. The habitat that each animal is kept in were clean with plenty of opportunity for enrichment.He was extremely knowledgeable + also great with educating the kids on each animal and how to interact with them safely. You can tell how well taken care of and socialized every animal is just by how comfortable they were being handled by children.My 3 year old son was still talking about "watching the snake eat eggs" (it was not a snake, but hey, he's 3) when he went to bed later that night. It really was the highlight of his day. I practically had to force my husband to give back the snake he was carrying around and he left trying to convince me we need one.This is definitely a shop worth checking out, I'm sure my family and I will be back in for a visit and maybe be leaving with a new family member eventually.

kathleen abbene

2023-11

Steven is so knowledgeable and easy to talk to. As new reptile owners we really appreciate the time he takes to go over things with us in detail. Always a fun trip when we stop in!

Jo gambacorta

2023-10

Great shop! Loved the selection of reptiles especially select crested geckos. Also seeing the Patagonia mara was a real treat. I’ve never had the opportunity to see one before. If you’re a reptile hobbyist or looking to purchase a reptile I highly recommend them! Feeders of all size, substrate, specialty food, enclosures, and live feeders for snakes as well. So glad to see an individual who cares so much for the animals.

Sara

2023-11

This is an awesome store! I stopped by to pick up some reptile food, of which they had a wide selection. The employees were very welcoming and had a lot of info to share. It is a cool store, clean and wide variety of animals. If you are new to reptile-keeping or experienced I would recommend to stop by.

servaI

2023-05

I have went on countless journeys visiting as many reptile shops as we can in many states, but Zootropic Exotics was one of the many we went to located in and around Chicago that stood out the most and is byfar the best organized store and varied selection of reptiles I've been to in Illinois . I adopted my second blue tongue skink from here and his/her temperament is impeccable. I can tell from their behaviour they were well loved during their time at the store.