Crosstown Exotics

Crosstown Exotics Crosstown Exotics is a reptile show and bug show that travels throughout Chicagoland providing hands-on education entertainment.
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Crosstown Exotics is a reptile and bug show that travels throughout Chicagoland providing hands-on education entertainment. Our lineup of prehistoric creatures consists of a mixture of reptiles, amphibians, and bugs. From African giant bullfrogs and hissing cockroaches to a 16ft Burmese python and giant tortoises. Everyone gets to interact with the animals for an experience unlike anything you’d r

eceive at your local zoo. We take pride in providing memorable encounters with our extensive collection cold blooded ambassadors. Mission
Our mission is to promote conservation through presentation. We believe in “hands-on so the species lives on”. If someone can interact with an animal, they are more likely to want to save it. Our presentations are interactive, entertaining and create an impactful educational experience. We are fully insured and pride ourselves on the safety and handling of our animals. Crosstown Exotics has performed for communions celebrations, scouting events, birthday parties, block parties, conventions, festivals and holiday parties. Crosstown Exotics has also preformed for school assemblies, park districts and libraries all over the Chicagoland area. Colin Langenderfer
Hi my name is Colin Langenderfer co-owner of Crosstown Exotics. I have worked in many animal related positions over the years such as exotic pet stores, animal control, forest persevere restoration teams, professional animal handlers, wildlife rehabilitation centers and animal outreach programs. Animals have always been a part of my life. My passion started at a young age. Exploring the creeks and forests searching all types of wildlife. Animals have also been a stepping stone into my love for the environment and how important it is to preserve it for future generations. Mike Levins
Hi my name is Mike Levins co-owner of Crosstown Exotics. I've been keeping reptiles and other exotics for 15 years. Animals have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I worked in the retail pet world for 7 years and I have been doing educational wildlife programs for close to 9 years. I received my Bachelors in biology from Governors State University in 2013. I get a real sense pride and joy sharing my love of animals with others and look forward to sharing them with you.

12/20/2025

Look at these adorable lionhead lop bunnies!!
DIRECT MESSAGE FOR ANY INFO!!

12/20/2025

Check out AnimalIsland’s video.

12/20/2025
12/20/2025

Slow mowin with Gertrude

🎄 Day 5 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas! 🎄Today’s guests: African Giant Bullfrogs —proof that not all holiday visi...
12/20/2025

🎄 Day 5 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas! 🎄

Today’s guests: African Giant Bullfrogs —
proof that not all holiday visitors are loud…
some just sit politely in your hands and judge you silently. 🐸😂

These chunky legends are always a crowd favorite at our shows. Calm, expressive, and impossible not to love once you meet them up close.
Pure wholesome holiday energy.

See you tomorrow!




🎄 Day 6 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas! 🎄Receding hairline?Not a problem.We’ve got you covered… literally. 😂🕷️Not...
12/20/2025

🎄 Day 6 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas! 🎄

Receding hairline?
Not a problem.
We’ve got you covered… literally. 😂🕷️

Nothing says “holiday confidence” like a natural, eight-legged toupee.

See you tomorrow for Day 5!




🎄 Day 7 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas! 🎄Today’s feature: the lizard duo who absolutely understood the assignment...
12/19/2025

🎄 Day 7 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas! 🎄

Today’s feature: the lizard duo who absolutely understood the assignment.

If this doesn’t look like the cover of a 90’s family sitcom, we don’t know what does. 😂
These two bring big personality to every show — curious, calm, and always ready to steal the spotlight.

Holiday album dropping soon… probably. 🎄📀





🎄 Day 8 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas! 🎄Today’s stars: our African Giant Millipedes — known by… questionable cel...
12/18/2025

🎄 Day 8 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas! 🎄

Today’s stars: our African Giant Millipedes — known by… questionable celebrity pun names 😅

Meet:
Milly Bonnie Bonjovi (formerly Milly Bobby Brown — legal says we needed an upgrade) and Milly Nelson!

These gentle giants are always a hit. Kids can’t believe how many legs they have… and adults can’t believe how chill they are.

Don’t worry — there will be far fewer legs moving forward. 😂

See you tomorrow!





🎄 Day 9 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas! 🎄As many of you know, Mike and I have handled animals for major film and ...
12/17/2025

🎄 Day 9 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas! 🎄

As many of you know, Mike and I have handled animals for major film and productions across Chicagoland — and today’s spotlight is one of our most famous stars:

🕷️ Annabell, our Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula
aka “Axel the Tarantula”, Buzz’s pet in the Airbnb commercial for the actual Home Alone House.

If you’ve seen that ad… you’ve seen her acting debut.
The perfect way to kick off our countdown — with a little Hollywood magic and a whole lot of legs. 😅🕷️🎄

More animals (and more chaos) tomorrow!




Day 10 of Crosstown Christmas starts… NOW!Mike and I did a Stepbrothers–inspired Christmas photo shoot at JCPenney.With ...
12/15/2025

Day 10 of Crosstown Christmas starts… NOW!

Mike and I did a Stepbrothers–inspired Christmas photo shoot at JCPenney.
With reptiles.
And bugs.
And absolutely zero adult supervision. 😂

For the next 10 days, we’ll be posting our favorite photos with the amazing animals ambassadors we bring to schools, libraries, park districts, birthdays, and holiday events across Chicagoland.

If you’ve ever wondered what holiday magic looks like with a 100-lb tortoise, a giant snake, and two grown men in sweater vests…
you’re about to find out. 🎁🐍🐢🕷️




🎄Day 11 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas!🎄The suspense builds…When you’re surrounded by animals and suddenly realiz...
12/14/2025

🎄Day 11 of our 12 Days of Crosstown Christmas!🎄

The suspense builds…

When you’re surrounded by animals and suddenly realize
you might not be the apex predator in the room anymore. 👀🐍🦎

More holiday chaos coming tomorrow.





Address

Mokena, IL

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 9pm
Tuesday 12pm - 9pm
Wednesday 12pm - 9pm
Thursday 12pm - 9pm
Friday 12pm - 9pm
Saturday 12pm - 9pm
Sunday 12pm - 9pm

Telephone

+18157154815

Website

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