Reasons to Visit a Reptile Expo, Even if You Don’t Want One
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Reptile expos are the go-to spot to pick out a new pet reptile or amphibian, or simply to stock up on supplies. Here's the thing: You don't have to own, want or even like reptiles to enjoy a reptile expo. Visiting one is a wild experience that everyone should try out at least once.
Go to a reptile expo, and you'll have a chance to get up close and personal with creatures you didn't know existed. These are our top reasons to visit, even if snakes give you the creeps.
It's Like a Much Cooler Zoo
Zoos are cool (at least the ones focused on animal conservation and welfare), but most of them only allow visitors to appreciate wildlife from afar. Understandably so, since half of the animals at a zoo can kill you. But most of the animals at reptile expos cannot, with the exception of the handful of venomous reptiles that are kept in locked enclosures and require a permit to purchase.
The rest are completely harmless, so expo-goers can see them up close. Some vendors are willing to let people handle their animals, although there is a certain etiquette to observe. Always use hand sanitizer before and after handling an animal, and don't ask to hold an animal unless you're seriously considering purchasing it. Even if you're not, some vendors bring one of their own animals that's comfortable enough to be handled by lots of visitors. Those are totally fair game.
There Are More Than Just Snakes
These aren't the geckos you've seen at PetSmart. Reptile expos are held in giant convention centers filled with row after row of the most colorful, unique reptile and amphibian morphs. They're all selectively bred to have wild colors and patterns, most of which are way cooler to look at than anything you'd find in nature.
Nature's cool, but a black-and-white gecko wouldn't last a day in the wild. It's just too easy to see. You'll have to visit an expo to spot one instead.
There Are Insanely Colorful Chameleons
I genuinely thought the chameleons I saw on Instagram were photoshopped until I visited my first reptile expo. They're not.
There are chameleons that legitimately look like they were illustrated with highlighters in preparation for a rave. They're breathtaking, and vendors allow them to roam free on perches out in the open.
And Adorable Axolotls
Kids love axolotls. There was a whole axolotl craze a while ago, and Squishmallow axolotls are constantly sold out.
Who's seen one in real life, though? If you visit a reptile expo, you will be one of the privileged few. They're not the easiest to care for, though, so we recommend just looking.
Yes, There Are a Lot of Tarantulas
See all those containers? They all contain live tarantulas. I had no idea how many colors of tarantulas existed until visiting an expo.
There are also jumping spiders that are bizarrely cute, glow-in-the-dark scorpions and purple pill bugs. Creepy, but cool. Wednesday Addams would have a field day.
And Frogs That Can Probably Kill You
Reptile expos have tons of beautiful poison dart frogs. They come in every imaginable color, from bright reds and yellows to iridescent blues and greens. We were just kidding about the poison part, though. In the wild, poison dart frogs eat toxic plants that give them their killer qualities. In captivity, they don't consume these toxins and are completely safe to keep as pets.
Most of them can be kept in a 20-gallon aquarium, and the setups can be like a mini, tropical oasis in your living room.
Also, Very Cute Frogs That Definitely Can't
There are so, so many species of frogs that we didn't know could be kept as pets.
See-through frogs, bright-green frogs, fat frogs, tiny frogs, you name it. The sheer variety is the biggest draw.
Sometimes, There Are Even Hedgehogs
Yes, we know. Hedgehogs are mammals. They fall into the exotic pet category, however, so you might be lucky enough to spot one at a reptile convention.
If you live in a state that outlaws hedgehogs, you might have to visit an expo elsewhere to see one.
The Snakes Themselves Are Strikingly Beautiful, Too
It goes without saying that snakes make up a good chunk of the creatures on display at any reptile expo. They're all kept in plastic tubs or in locked glass boxes, depending on how valuable they are. Yes, there are people who would swipe snakes off a table. Sounds weird, but some of the snakes are worth thousands of dollars.
A $1,200 snake isn't unusual at all, actually. You'll see plenty in that price range, but the rarest color morphs can be $5,000 or more.
Reptile Expos Are Like Living Art Museums
Visiting a reptile expo is eye-opening. We're used to seeing cute dogs and cats, but seeing some of nature's more outlandish creations is a treat. Selective breeding itself is an art, playing with genes to come up with increasingly beautiful animals.
Even if you're not interested in taking part in the hobby yourself, just peeking through the window is fun.
They're Also Educational
OK, there aren't always gators at reptile expos, but pretty much every vendor will be delighted to share their knowledge with anyone interested enough to ask. Questions are great. Almost everyone at a reptile expo is passionate about the animals there, and the ones who raise them are eager to spread both information and excitement.
At the end of the day, reptile expos are about the animals. The best vendors (and keepers) prioritize the health and happiness of their animals above all else. They like questions because it means one of two things: Someone is preparing to be a responsible pet owner, or someone is becoming curious about reptiles instead of creeped out. Both are welcome.
There Are Usually Sweet Treats and Souvenirs to Add to the Fun
Visitors who don't want to bring home a new pet don't have to go home empty-handed. Reptile expos also offer fun, themed snack foods, plus tasty lunch options if you work up an appetite.
After a slice of pizza or some shaved ice, pick up a stuffed animal, a unique piece of jewelry or a handmade work of art. That's far from an exhaustive list of the different souvenir options to choose from, and they're usually much cooler than what zoo gift shops offer.
These Expos Introduce You to Truly Exotic Pets
Yes, there are snakes, but there are also geckos, chameleons, iguanas, skinks, newts, toads, frogs, turtles, tortoises and so much more. Anyone who's considering the reptile-keeping hobby should go to an expo.
Think ahead about what animals you're most interested in keeping, but also keep an open mind. You might learn that the cool-looking frog you thought you wanted is impossible to handle but find an albino ball python that you just have to have.
And If You Do Fall in Love With a Reptile, There Are Plenty of Supplies to Help You Prepare
We don't recommend impulse-purchasing any pet, but if you're already considering owning a reptile or amphibian, a reptile show is a solid place to buy one. It's best if you already have a basic setup at home, but reptile expos always have enclosures, heating elements, substrate and decor available for purchase. The toughest part is not bringing home every cool animal you see.
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