About Zookeeper
Austin's oldest exotic shop — family-run since 1988.
Founded in 1988 by Daniel Keeper, Zookeeper is Austin's oldest family-owned exotic pet and plant store — a place where reptiles, birds, amphibians, arachnids, fish, small mammals and living plants all share one roof.
Across more than three decades we've built a 12,000-strong community and a 96% recommendation rate, doing one thing relentlessly: pairing well-started animals with honest, expert care advice. Many of our customers have been coming back for years — some across generations.
We don't sell or ship live animals online — every creature is met in person, here in the store, where we can help you choose the right fit. Whether it's your first gecko or your fifth parrot, we want you set up to succeed.
Meet the Keepers
Zookeeper is family-run by Jillian & Daniel Keeper — lifelong exotic-animal people who turned a passion into Austin's go-to exotic shop. You'll usually find one of them on the floor, ready to talk shop and help you get it right.
In Memoriam
Sophia, our resident sloth
Rescued by Daniel about two decades ago, Sophia became one of Austin's most beloved characters. People drove across the city just to see her — one couple even got engaged in her enclosure. Particular to the very end, she would carry her bowl over when she wanted more grapes, and kept up an unlikely friendship with a salt-loving iguana. A true Austin icon, dearly missed.
What keepers are saying
12K followers · 96% recommend (361 reviews)
Zookeeper has an impressive variety, and the staff are knowledgeable, welcoming, and truly passionate. My 5-year-old is obsessed with axolotls — we made the drive and it was SO worth it. They even surprised him with an axolotl toy. A day he won't forget!
Daniel and Brandon were a delight to work with. We bought a ball python for our daughter and they spent an hour patiently answering our questions and showing us the ropes. We left confident and excited.
We went there for a hedgehog and found the staff knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. The love and concern they have for the animals they sell is apparent. Great place and great staff!
Our first reptile! We worked with Steven on a few snakes and landed on 'Toothless,' our African house snake. He educated us and set us up with a terrarium, substrate, and goodies. Zookeeper earned my trust and business.
The staff and selection are always amazing! It's a wonderful place to expose kids to all sorts of critters and bring home a loving addition to the family.
Wonderful store with very knowledgeable staff. Our daughter was choosing her first tarantula, and Dave gave her the best advice for a beginner. Five stars for customer service — we'll definitely be repeat customers!