Staten Island Zoo used to have the most complete rattlesnake collection in the world, but times changed and they lost the title. Now a change is in the works to regain that title, and in doing so they are putting safety first.

From the NY Daily News:

Once home to the most complete rattlesnake collection in the world, the zoo is trying to make a comeback one slithery reptile at a time.
And for every new species it acquires, it must have the right anti-venom - costly but essential should anyone be bitten by the deadly creatures.
"This vial alone was over $1,000," said Matt Lanier, who manages the zoo's snake collection, holding a tiny bottle of white powder.
It can take more than two dozen vials to counteract a bad bite - and the antidote must be administered within minutes.
There are alarm buttons between every padlocked exhibit, and a lightup panel shows which one was hit so staffers can secure the snake and grab the right antidote.
Car keys hang from magnets on the fridge door, ready for a dash to Richmond University Medical Center - which sent staffers to tour the zoo.
"From the time I hit that alarm button we are at the door to the emergency room in under seven minutes," Lanier said.

Very cool that they are planning for safety first, but even cooler that they are building the collection again. If a member pops out I would love to see photos.