Mark The Reptile Guy
"Reptile Encounters with Adventure on Every Scale"
What is our mission?
We want to share the joys of reptiles with as many people as possible!
My love for reptiles was sparked by my 6th grade science teacher, Ms. Farmer! She had a Colombian red-tail boa constrictor as a classroom pet and I was fascinated by this thing! When Ms. Farmer changed schools, she couldn't take the snake with her and offered to rehome her with me! I asked my mother if it would be alright for me to bring the snake home. My mom is not a fan of reptiles like I am, but she didn't want to be the bad guy and say no.
So instead, she said, "ask your father". So I did just that! Now, I don't think my poor old Mom ever expected my father to say "yes," but that's exactly what he did! Long story short...mom didn't talk to dad for a while, BUT I GOT MY SNAKE!!...and Mom eventually came to terms with it being in the house.
It is our goal to spark that same passion and fascination towards reptiles, that was sparked in me when I was young!
Reptiles are often feared and misunderstood. We like to remove some of that fear and misunderstanding by visiting local schools in the area with some of our ambassador reptiles. Students (and staff) get a hands-on experience with reptiles from all over the world to show them that reptiles aren't these "scary, gross" creatures that they are often made out to be.
During our presentations, we cover topics such as: different types of reptiles, features of a reptile, both native and non-native reptiles, conservation, and how to safely observe reptiles in the wild. The presentation then moves into our "hands-on" portion, where students get to learn about and even pet specific reptiles; such as tortoises, snakes, and lizards.
We hold a commercial captive wildlife permit with the Florida Wildlife Commission, which allows us to exhibit our animals in public for commercial or educational purposes. We are also an approved adopter in the FWC Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, which is a program that re-homes non-native exotic animals to qualified adopters when an individual can no longer care for their exotic pet. A few of our animals have been re-homed to our facility via this program. **We are OASIS approved for Osceola County schools!**
It's a Family Affair
Meet the family / crew that helps care for all of our scaly friends and makes our classroom visits & community events possible!
Mark
Owner/Operator/Head Reptile Keeper
"As much joy as my reptiles bring me, it brings even more joy to see the inquisitiveness, the excitement, and the happiness on an individual's face when interacting with a reptile for the first time. We are taught from a young age to fear reptiles, and there is nothing like watching someone conquer their fears and realize there was nothing to be afraid of in the first place."
Toto & Tasha
Security
"We bark at anything that moves!"
"WOOF"
Nicole
Supportive Wife / Office Manager
"Lizards, and spiders, and snakes, OH MY!!"
Kenzie
Daughter/Assistant Reptile Keeper
"Tortoises don't rush, but they always seem happy. I think they've figured out the secret to life"
Ashlyn
Daughter/Assistant Reptile Keeper
"Although reptiles are scientifically cold-blooded, they have warm hearts!"
Olivia
Daughter/Assistant Reptile Keeper
"I love all the animals! They are like my little children!"
Interested in a classroom presentation?
** We are currently only offering presentations in Kissimmee/St. Cloud, FL **
Click below to fill out a request form and we will contact you to book your classroom presentation!
