All Animals

Animal Guide

Rhinoceros Viper

18 destinations · 12 states

Native Range
West and Central Africa

The rhinoceros viper is a snake that can seem almost impossible to see, despite its bold colors. Its blue-green, yellow, black, and reddish pattern looks striking when viewed in an exhibit, but among the dappled light and leaf litter of an African rainforest, those colors help break up its outline. The small horn-like scales on its nose give the species its name, while its heavily keeled scales create a rough, textured appearance. During the day, it often remains hidden and motionless, waiting for small mammals, frogs, or other prey to come within range. At night, it becomes more active, although it is still an ambush hunter rather than a snake that races after food. It can also climb into low vegetation and has been found around shallow water. If you are lucky enough to see one moving, watch how deliberately it travels before settling down again. Its bright pattern is not decoration. It is part of an exceptionally effective disguise.

Rhinoceros Viper

Where to see Rhinoceros Viper

18 destinations across 12 states

18 destinations

Bronx Zoo

Bronx, NY

Cameron Park Zoo

Waco, TX

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga, TN

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, OH

Detroit Zoo

Royal Oak, MI

Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den

Scranton, PA

Gladys Porter Zoo

Brownsville, TX

Memphis Zoo

Memphis, TN

Milwaukee County Zoo

Milwaukee, WI

Moody Gardens

Galveston, TX

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Nashville, TN

Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma City, OK

Reptile Lagoon

Hamer, SC

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Columbia, SC

San Diego Zoo

San Diego, CA

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Washington, DC

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

Toledo, OH

Virginia Zoo

Norfolk, VA

Your ZooHopper Passport

Turn your wildlife adventures into a Passport

Keep track of the zoos, aquariums, safari parks, and wildlife destinations you've visited—and save the places you want to explore next.

  • Remember every visit
  • Build your wishlist
  • Collect Passport Stamps
  • Share photos & contribute
Create Your Passport

Dan's Passport

Places
12
States
6
Wishlist
9

Passport stamps

Recently visited

  • Bronx ZooBronx, NY
  • Georgia AquariumAtlanta, GA
  • San Diego Zoo Safari ParkEscondido, CA

MY WISHLIST

Monterey Bay AquariumMonterey, CA