...History continued

The impending relocation of Highway 16 necessitated Reptile Gardens' move to its present location six miles south of Rapid City in Spring Creek valley. The new Reptile Gardens opened in 1965 with even more additions, including the Sky Dome with its Safari Room, a large enclosed area where visitors could walk amongst free-roaming reptiles and birds. Although this kind of exhibit has become common at zoos, Earl was among the first to envision and create one.

Earl had to withdraw from actively managing the business in his later years due to ill health. He died in August of 1993. However, Reptile Gardens continues on as a family business with Earl's nephew, Joe Maierhauser, as the President & CEO, and his sons, John as director of public relations, and Jeff as corporate treasurer. His daughter, Judee Oldham, is the corporate secretary and her son, Jeff Oldham, is sales manager. The second/third generation is dedicated to carrying on Earl's legacy, not only in having top-notch displays, but while also offering the most outstanding hospitality. This latter quality was honored by the State of South Dakota in 1994 when Reptile Gardens received the George Mickelson Award for Great Service to South Dakota visitors.