This book chronicles the ambitious journey behind establishing one of the country's leading specialized zoos. Clyde Peeling founded Reptiland in 1964 and relentlessly pursued his dream, despite naysayers and financial challenges. His story is one of personal and professional evolution over a lifetime spent doing what he loves. The book also records philosophical changes in the function and purposes of zoos over the last half-century. From humble beginnings, in the era of roadside zoos, Reptiland became a modern institution committed to public education and conservation of the natural world.