Meet the Reptilian Rockstars Behind the Glass at this Local Reptile Shop
Written and Photographed by Taylor Tansey
Tucked away in the industrial heart of Huntingdon Valley lies a hidden gem unknown to many across Bucks and the greater Philadelphia area—Cold Blooded Kingdom, a one-stop shop for everything reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate-related.
Founded in August 2021 by Mark Ciccone and Kyle Kalnas, the business has quickly skyrocketed in popularity and earned a solid reputation within the reptile community.
From venomous snakes to massive lizards, the owners take pride not only in their expansive knowledge but also in curating their very own in-house zoo filled with fascinating creatures.
Beyond their storefront, the back of the shop is home to a collection of rare and exotic reptiles—many of which have become beloved mascots of the Kingdom. Let’s take a look at some of their most notable animal ambassadors.
1) Frank – Black Throated Monitor Lizard (Varanus albigularis microstictus)
At roughly five feet long, Frank looks like the kind of lizard you wouldn’t want to mess with—but don’t let his size fool you. Frank’s species is one of the largest monitor lizards in the world. Native to the savannas of East Africa, these powerful reptiles are known for their intelligence, strong personalities, and commanding presence—and Frank embodies all of that and more.
Hand-raised by the owners, Frank is surprisingly gentle for his size and species. He’s become a familiar face at Cold Blooded Kingdom, where he’s known for his chill demeanor and subtle charm. Now living large in his upgraded “mansion,” Frank spends his days basking, exploring his enclosure, and occasionally stepping out to greet guests—especially if snacks are involved.
Speaking of snacks, Frank’s diet includes frozen-thawed chicks and rats, which he happily devours with gusto. While his appetite is massive, so is his heart. Frank might look like a prehistoric predator, but he’s got the soul of a king—relaxed, respected, and totally in his element.
2) Juicy J – Fly River Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)
Greeting you in his own underwater kingdom is none other than Juicy J. A Fly River Turtle—a species rare in the reptile trade and often described as the freshwater version of a sea turtle—Juicy J brings a serene yet curious energy to the Kingdom. With his paddle-like flippers and soft, pig-like snout, he glides through the water with the grace of a seasoned swimmer.
Despite his exotic looks, Juicy J is incredibly personable. He’ll swim right up to the front of his massive aquarium to check out visitors, always hoping they’ve brought along his favorite snack: bananas. Whether he’s taking a nap on the sand or cruising his aquatic palace, Juicy J has a way of making every guest feel like royalty in his watery realm.
3) Frillie Nelson – Frilled Dragon (Chlamydosaurus kingii)
Living in a custom-built enclosure designed to mirror the arid outback of Australia, Frillie Nelson is nothing short of a star. With his dramatic neck frill and prehistoric swagger, it’s no surprise that Frillie is often compared to the dinosaurs from Jurassic Park—and he certainly doesn’t mind leaning into the role. Though he may look like a pint-sized movie monster, Frillie is more bark than bite. In fact, despite his fierce appearance, he’s one of the friendliest faces in the shop.
Contrary to popular belief, when Frillie “frills up,” it usually means he’s startled or scared. A relaxed, frill-down Frillie? That’s his way of saying he’s ready to chill.
When he’s not soaking up attention, he’s chowing down on a buffet of tasty bugs—his favorites being dubia roaches and superworms. Whether you’re a lizard lover or just stopping by, Frillie makes it clear: he’s the real king of this tiny Jurassic kingdom.
4) Ice Cube – Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
Usually found lounging in his personal pond, Ice Cube is a snake with big dreams—and even bigger potential. As a young Green Anaconda, Ice Cube is destined to become one of the heaviest snakes on the planet. For now, he’s still growing into his role as the heavyweight of the Kingdom, spending his days soaking in his custom-built enclosure designed to accommodate both his aquatic nature and his future size.
Despite his “cool” name, Ice Cube isn’t always the chillest resident. In fact, when he was first purchased by co-owner Mark, Ice Cube left a lasting impression—literally—by latching onto Mark’s hand during handling. It was a quick reminder that while many of the animals at Cold Blooded Kingdom are tame and well-socialized, they’re still wild at heart.
These days, Ice Cube is more laid-back, spending much of his time partially submerged, watching the world go by with slow blinks and steady breaths. He may not be the cuddliest mascot, but there’s no denying—he commands respect, and he’s well on his way to becoming one of the Kingdom’s true giants.
5) Waylon Jones – Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
The newest member of the Kingdom is a tiny reptile with a big future—meet Waylon Jones. This young Nile Crocodile may only be about a foot long (if that), but don’t let his size fool you. One day, Waylon will grow into one of the largest crocodilians in the world, capable of reaching lengths over 16 feet and weighing over a thousand pounds.
For now, he’s just a baby, taking in his new surroundings and getting comfortable in his specially designed habitat. Despite his reputation as a species, Waylon is adjusting well and showing promising signs of confidence and curiosity. He spends his time basking, swimming, and keeping a watchful eye on anyone who stops by—already channeling that apex predator energy.
Though he’s still small enough to sit in the palm of a hand, there’s no doubt Waylon is destined for big things!
6) Jim – Colorado River Toad (Incilius alvarius)
Both a local legend and a rising TikTok star, Big Man Jim is Cold Blooded Kingdom’s warty wonder. Jim is a chunky, charismatic amphibian native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. He may not look like a social media influencer, but Jim has gained quite the following with his massive size, expressive face, and absolutely unhinged appetite.
When food is involved, Jim doesn’t hold back. Whether it’s crickets, worms, or other live delicacies, he demolishes anything that dares move in front of him. It’s not just the way he eats—it’s the enthusiasm. Watching Jim go to town on a snack is truly a show in itself.
When he’s not eating, Jim enjoys two of his other favorite pastimes: digging himself a cool spot in the dirt and soaking in his water dish like a chunky little king. Though he looks like a gentle goofball, Colorado River Toads have potent skin secretions, so handling is limited and done carefully by staff. If you visit the Kingdom, don’t skip a stop at Jim’s enclosure. He’s a living meme, a hungry boy, and a reminder that toads can be stars, too.
7) Rango and Beans (Gila Monsters – Heloderma suspectum)
Meet Rango and Beans—Cold Blooded Kingdom’s dynamic Gila monster duo. With their vibrant beaded scales, thick bodies, and slow, deliberate movements, Rango (male) and Beans (female) are a stunning pair of Gila Monsters—one of only two venomous lizards native to North America. These desert dwellers might not move fast, but they more than make up for it in personality and presence.
Rango is the more outgoing of the two, often found patrolling the enclosure or curiously watching anyone who passes by. He’s a bit of a show-off, basking dramatically under the heat lamp like he’s posing for a magazine cover. Beans, on the other hand, prefers the quiet life. She’s a bit more reclusive, often snuggled into a hide or burrowed into the substrate, keeping a watchful eye from the shadows.
Together, they make quite the power couple—beautiful, bold, and a little bit dangerous. While handling is kept to a minimum due to their venom, these two are incredibly important ambassadors for their species, helping to educate the public about the beauty and ecological importance of these often-misunderstood lizards. Whether you catch them basking, burrowing, or just giving off serious desert royalty vibes, Rango and Beans are not to be missed.
8) Paulie – Bell’s Phase Lace Monitor (Varanus varius)
Paulie may have started as the shy guy in the back room, but now he’s front and center as Cold Blooded Kingdom’s cover star. A stunning example of the highly sought-after Bell’s Phase Lace Monitor, Paulie is a showstopper. With his striking cream-and-black pattern and bold, intelligent eyes, it’s no surprise his photo is the featured image for this blog—he’s that good-looking.
Originally kept in the sale room, Paulie was never actually for sale. Hand-raised and closely cared for by the CBK team, he was once timid and elusive, preferring to stay hidden and observe from the shadows. But with time, patience, and trust, Paulie has come into his own. These days, you’ll often spot him out and about in his enclosure, especially when there’s food involved.
And speaking of food—Paulie lives for mealtime. From rodents to eggs to insects, he’s always down for a snack and is growing into a truly impressive adult. Lace Monitors are known for their intelligence and striking appearance, and Bell’s Phase morphs like Paulie are especially prized in the reptile world.
Now a confident, striking presence in the Kingdom, Paulie represents the perfect mix of rarity, beauty, and heart. He’s not just a mascot—he’s a masterpiece.
Be Sure To Visit!
Whether you’re a seasoned reptile keeper, a curious newcomer, or just someone who appreciates animals with serious personality, Cold Blooded Kingdom’s mascots offer something truly unforgettable. From towering lizards and chunky toads to venomous charmers and future giants, each resident has their own story, quirks, and fanbase.
These animals aren’t just pets—they’re ambassadors for their species, carefully raised and deeply loved by the CBK crew. They educate, entertain, and inspire a whole new level of respect for creatures that don’t always get the spotlight.
So next time you’re in the Huntingdon Valley area, don’t just scroll past another reptile video on TikTok—come meet the stars in person. Because at Cold Blooded Kingdom, every day is a wild experience, and the mascots are always ready to steal the show.
To learn more, follow their socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldbloodedkingdom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coldbloodedkingdompa
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coldbloodedkingdom?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc