Surviving a Reptile Show: Snakes, Geckos, and Unexpected Adventures

Full video here: Bitten by a Gecko at a Reptile Show… It Got WILD!

When you step into the world of exotic reptiles, you never know what kind of wild ride you're in for. That's exactly what happened to me and my family when we decided to venture out to a local reptile show – an experience that was equal parts thrilling, educational, and, well, a little bit painful (thanks to a certain feisty gecko).

As a nature enthusiast and outdoor adventurer, I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to get up close and personal with the incredible creatures that call our planet home. So, when I heard about this reptile show, I knew it was the perfect chance to introduce my young son, Theodore, to the wonders of the reptile kingdom.

What followed was a whirlwind of scaly encounters, fascinating facts, and one very unexpected (and rather painful) moment that had me questioning whether I'd ever be able to look at a gecko the same way again. But through it all, I learned valuable lessons about the importance of facing our fears, embracing new experiences, and cultivating a deep appreciation for the natural world around us.

Gliding with Sugar Gliders and Slithering with Snakes

As we stepped into the bustling reptile show, the air was thick with the sounds of excited chatter, the rustling of cages, and the occasional hiss or squawk from the various inhabitants. Theodore's eyes were wide with wonder as he took in the sights and smells of this exotic gathering.

Our first stop was the sugar glider enclosure, where we were greeted by the most adorable, fluffy creatures imaginable. These nocturnal "night ninjas," as I like to call them, are known for their ability to glide up to 150 feet through the air, using their stretchy skin as a built-in parachute. As I gently cradled one of the sugar gliders in my hands, Theodore couldn't contain his excitement, watching in awe as the little guy stretched out his limbs and prepared for takeoff.

"They bond for life, like fuzzy besties," I explained to Theodore, marveling at the way the sugar glider seemed to instantly trust me. "And they love sweet stuff – fruit, sap, and nectar. It's like their own personal snack pack!"

After reluctantly tearing ourselves away from the sugar gliders, we moved on to the snake enclosures, where a young man was eagerly searching for his new reptilian companion. I couldn't resist the opportunity to share my own knowledge about these fascinating creatures, explaining that while ball pythons don't bite often, "when they do, they latch on."

As I gently held the python, I could feel the power of its muscles, like a "muscle noodle" as I described it to Theodore. "They're very strong, but also very chill," I said, watching the snake's calm demeanor as it rested in my hands.

Bearded Dragons and the Art of the Push-Up

With our snake encounter under our belts, we turned our attention to the bearded dragons – a species that has long captivated my imagination with their unique behaviors and adaptations. As I introduced Theodore to these spiky-yet-friendly lizards, I couldn't resist sharing some of the fascinating facts I've learned about them over the years.

• "Did you know that bearded dragons can wave hello?" I asked, demonstrating the gentle arm-lifting motion that the dragons use to communicate. "It's a way of showing submission, not starting a dance battle."
• "And when they're angry or scared, their beards turn jet black – instant drama!" I added, chuckling at the thought of these docile creatures putting on such a bold display.
• "But that's not all," I continued. "They can also run on two legs, like little mini-dinosaurs, and they do push-ups to show dominance. It's not just for gym bros – male bearded dragons do it to say, 'This is my turf.'"

As Theodore listened, enraptured, I could see the wheels turning in his mind, processing all of these incredible details about the bearded dragons. I knew that by sharing these fun, quirky facts, I was not only educating him but also sparking his curiosity to learn more about the natural world.

And the adventure didn't stop there. I was thrilled to introduce Theodore to a special bearded dragon named Roly Poly, who had been rescued and was now part of the reptile show's educational efforts. "We actually started off with this girl here," I explained, "and seven years later, we got a rescue named after her. Together, we've helped thousands of animals find their forever homes."

As Theodore gently stroked Roly Poly's scaly back, I could see the connection forming between him and this remarkable creature. It was a moment that reminded me of the power of hands-on learning and the way it can foster a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Chameleons and the Unexpected Gecko Bite

With our bearded dragon encounter under our belts, we moved on to the chameleon enclosure, where I knew Theodore was in for a real treat. These incredible lizards have long been a source of fascination for me, and I couldn't wait to share some of their most mind-bending abilities.

"Did you know that chameleons can move their eyes in two different directions at the same time?" I asked Theodore, watching as the chameleon's eyes swiveled independently, taking in the entire room. "It's like they have 360-degree vision!"

As Theodore marveled at the chameleon's unique adaptations, I couldn't resist the opportunity to let him get up close and personal with one of these remarkable creatures. "Go ahead, put your hand out like this," I instructed, guiding his movements. "And be gentle – they're delicate, but they won't bite."

Theodore's face lit up with a grin as the chameleon cautiously climbed onto his outstretched hand, its long, sticky tongue darting out to investigate this new human friend. It was a moment of pure wonder and connection, and I could see the spark of fascination ignite in my son's eyes.

But just when we thought we'd seen it all, the unexpected happened. As I reached down to retrieve a baby gecko for Theodore to meet, the little lizard suddenly latched onto my finger, sinking its sharp teeth into my skin. "Ow!" I yelped, instinctively pulling my hand away. "He probably thought my finger was a cricket. It happens sometimes with these guys."

Despite the unexpected pain, I couldn't help but laugh at the situation. After all, I'd already survived a pelican bite, so this was just another addition to my growing list of animal-related superpowers. "But did you know," I said to Theodore, "that geckos can't blink? Instead, they lick their eyes to keep them clean and moist. Ew, I guess that's one way to wash your face!"

Facing Fears and Embracing the Wild

As we made our way out of the reptile show, Theodore's eyes were shining with excitement. He had faced his fears, held a variety of incredible creatures, and even witnessed the unexpected – a gecko bite that left me with a new "superpower."

"So, would you do it again?" I asked him, knowing that the answer would likely be a resounding yes. After all, this was the kind of adventure that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and leaves a lasting impression on young minds.

And that's exactly what I hope to achieve with these wild experiences – to inspire a deep appreciation for the natural world, to encourage kids to step outside their comfort zones, and to foster a lifelong love of exploration and discovery.

As we walked back to the car, I couldn't help but reflect on the valuable lessons we had learned that day. From the importance of facing our fears (even if it means getting bitten by a feisty gecko) to the wonder of witnessing the incredible adaptations and behaviors of these exotic creatures, this reptile show adventure had truly been a wild ride.

But more than that, it had reinforced my belief that the world is the greatest classroom, and that the most meaningful learning often happens when we step out of our everyday lives and immerse ourselves in the natural wonders that surround us.

So, if you're ever presented with the opportunity to explore a reptile show, or any other unique outdoor adventure, I encourage you to embrace it with open arms (and maybe a few extra bandages, just in case). You never know what kind of wild and wonderful experiences might be waiting for you – and the memories you'll create will be worth every unexpected moment.

Explore More Wild Adventures

If you enjoyed this reptile show adventure, be sure to check out some of our other wild explorations:

 A Stingray Got Too Close… and Looked Like an Alien

This 130-Year-Old Chocolate Recipe Surprised Us in Vienna

Flying History Comes Alive

And don't forget to subscribe to our channel, On the Wild Path, for more family-friendly nature adventures and outdoor exploration. Together, let's stay curious, stay wild, and stay on the path of discovery!

Resources and Further Reading

If you're interested in learning more about the incredible creatures we encountered at the reptile show, be sure to check out these resources:

• Where the Wise Things Grow by Wonder Tales – a children's book that celebrates the wonders of the natural world
• The Gift of Mistakes by Wonder Tales – a book that encourages kids to embrace new experiences and face their fears

Remember, the world is our classroom, and the greatest lessons are often found in the most unexpected places. So, let's keep exploring, keep learning, and stay wild on the path of discovery!