With one step, visitors leave Indianapolis and arrive in an amazing desert environment. In fact, the desert habitat is so authentic that the Indianapolis Zoo is known worldwide for its successful research and breeding of some the rarest desert reptiles. The attention to detail in the Deserts Biome sets it apart from other desert exhibits across the USA. The transparent overhead geodesic dome allows the animals to bask in natural sunlight year-round while heating and air conditioning vents hidden in the rocks keep the temperature in the 80s Fahrenheit. The Deserts Dome re-opened in May 2006 after being closed for nine months undergoing a complete renovation to add a new meerkat exhibit presented by the Carrier Corporation, plus many new reptiles and birds. Other animals in the desert area are tortoises and lizards. The desert also has an area called "Drop Dead Gorgeous Snakes" with many venomous snakes and a hands-on learning area.