MANCHESTER, Mo. - What sits across the busy street of Manchester Road is a rising business that’s capturing the eye of St. Louisans—in a surprising way.

Located at 14390 Manchester Road, The Reptile Room STL is home to various species, such as tarantulas, turtles, lizards and exotic bugs.

And the best part of it all is that visitors can interact with these animals up close.

Initially known as "Tarantula Cribs," the business began with a focus on tarantula enclosures but later expanded to higher levels, drawing inspiration from a late friend.

“A few years ago, one of my friends, Brian Barczyk, opened a Reptile Zoo in Michigan, where kids would interact with lots of reptiles,” said Mo Dalal, owner of The Reptile Zoo STL. “(The kids) would get their hands on, feed, get to play with, (and)

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