Family Day at ReptiDay Melborne Florida

Lisa McLisa

Welcome back, everyone, to Repticon Reptile Shows! I’m Lisa, and I’m here with Jay and Michael, ready to scale up your curiosity with a deep dive into ReptiDay Melbourne, Florida. This event is all about family, fun, and, of course, a whole lot of scales and tails. Before we get into the critters, let’s talk about the community that makes this show so special. Jay, you know, every time I walk into a ReptiDay, I’m hit with that energy—families, kids, seasoned keepers, all mingling with vendors who are just as passionate. It’s not just about selling reptiles; it’s about building connections. Family Reptiles, for example, they’re not just a vendor—they’re educators. They’ve got this hands-on approach, making sure every new keeper leaves with the right knowledge, not just a new pet. That’s huge for breaking down those old reptile myths, right?

Jay Tacey

Absolutely, Lisa. And you know, Guardians of the Geckos is another one that stands out. They’re all about gecko genetics and quality lineage, which, I mean, that’s not just for the hardcore hobbyists. They make it accessible for families and beginners, too. I think that’s what draws people in—vendors who care about education and responsible ownership. And then you’ve got Nauti-Lass Ponds & Critters, bringing in turtles and tortoises from around the world. It’s not just snakes and lizards; it’s aquatic life, too. The diversity is wild.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and I gotta say, the family-friendly vibe is what keeps people coming back. I mean, you see parents who were nervous about reptiles at first, and by the end of the day, they’re asking about proper enclosures and what their kids can handle. It’s a real shift. And vendors have definitely evolved—like, it used to be just a table and a few tanks, but now you’ve got interactive displays, care guides, even tech like 3D-printed habitats. It’s a whole experience.

Lisa McLisa

That reminds me—Field Flashback time! My first reptile show, I must’ve been, what, eight? I remember this corn snake demo, and the handler let me touch the snake. I was terrified, but the way they explained everything, suddenly it wasn’t scary anymore. That’s the magic of these events. They turn fear into fascination, especially for kids. And honestly, I think that’s why vendors like Family Reptiles and Guardians of the Geckos are so important—they’re not just selling, they’re mentoring. Jay, you’ve seen this evolution, right? How have you noticed vendor offerings change over the years?

Jay Tacey

Oh, for sure. Back in the day, it was more transactional. Now, it’s about building relationships. Vendors are offering starter kits, educational workshops, even follow-up support. And the community aspect—like, you see the same families coming back year after year, growing with the hobby. It’s not just about the animals; it’s about the people, too.

Michael Arnold

And let’s not forget, the vendors are learning from the community, too. They’re adapting, bringing in new species, new tech, and really listening to what families want. It’s a two-way street, and that’s what keeps these shows fresh.

Lisa McLisa

Alright, let’s get into the stars of the show—the animals! ReptiDay Melbourne is packed with favorites: ball pythons, leopard geckos, bearded dragons, crested geckos, turtles, tortoises… the list goes on. Jay, you’ve worked with so many of these species in zoos and public events. What stands out to you about how they’re presented at shows like this?

Jay Tacey

Yeah, so, one thing I really appreciate is the focus on behavioral enrichment, even in a show setting. I’ve seen vendors set up little climbing branches for bearded dragons, or provide hides for ball pythons so they’re not stressed out. It’s not just about displaying the animal—it’s about showing how they behave naturally, which is something I always pushed for in zoo design. And, you know, when families see a gecko hunting for food or a tortoise exploring its enclosure, it sparks questions. That’s where the real learning happens.

Michael Arnold

And you can tell when a vendor is invested in their animals’ well-being. Like, Guardians of the Geckos—they’re not just breeding New Caledonian geckos for looks. They’re tracking genetics, making sure they’re producing healthy, robust animals. That’s a level of care you don’t always see, and it sets a standard for everyone else.

Lisa McLisa

Exactly. And the variety is just incredible. You’ve got everything from tiny crested geckos to massive tortoises. NautiLass Ponds & Critters, for example, they bring in turtles and tortoises from all over, and they’re always happy to talk about the differences in care. It’s a great way for families to figure out what species might fit their lifestyle. Jay, you mentioned enrichment—how do you see that playing out with, say, bearded dragons or ball pythons at these events?

Jay Tacey

Well, with bearded dragons, you’ll see vendors offering them a variety of insects, or letting them bask under proper lighting, even at the show. For ball pythons, it’s about providing secure hides and not over-handling them. It’s subtle, but it makes a big difference in the animals’ stress levels and shows attendees what good husbandry looks like. And, honestly, it’s a great teaching moment—people see that reptiles aren’t just display pieces; they have needs and personalities.

Michael Arnold

And that’s where the genetics piece comes in, too. Guardians of the Geckos, for example, they’re really transparent about lineage, which helps prevent health issues down the line. It’s not just about flashy colors—it’s about building strong, healthy populations. That’s something I think more vendors are starting to prioritize, and it’s good for the whole community.

Lisa McLisa

Couldn’t agree more. And for families just starting out, seeing that level of care and expertise is so reassuring. It’s not just about picking the cutest animal—it’s about understanding what goes into keeping them happy and healthy. That’s what makes these shows so valuable.

Lisa McLisa

Now, let’s zoom out a bit and talk about the bigger picture—conservation, education, and the impact these events have on the community. USARK Florida is a big presence at ReptiDay, advocating for herpetoculture and conservation. Michael, you’ve seen how advocacy groups and tech vendors are shaping the hobby. What’s your take?

Michael Arnold

Yeah, so, USARK Florida is doing crucial work—protecting our rights as keepers, but also making sure we’re thinking about conservation. And then you’ve got vendors like For Real 3D and Mid Florida Displays, who are bringing in tech—like 3D-printed hides, custom enclosures, even educational models. It’s not just about making things look cool; it’s about making reptile care more accessible and more effective. That’s a big deal for new keepers and for the animals themselves.

Jay Tacey

And I think that’s where the balance comes in—these events are fun, there’s commerce, but there’s also a real push for education and conservation. Vendors are partnering with advocacy groups, offering care sheets, and even donating to conservation efforts. It’s not just about selling animals; it’s about building a responsible, informed community. And, you know, attendees can support that by asking questions, supporting ethical vendors, and maybe even joining groups like USARK Florida.

Lisa McLisa

Exactly. And for anyone listening who’s thinking about attending ReptiDay or a similar event, my advice is: get involved. Talk to the vendors, ask about their breeding practices, check out the educational booths. The more you learn, the better keeper you’ll be—and the more you’ll appreciate the incredible diversity of reptiles out there. Plus, you’ll be supporting a community that’s passionate about conservation and responsible ownership. Michael, Jay, any final thoughts before we wrap up?

Michael Arnold

Just that these events are for everyone—whether you’re a newbie or a lifer, there’s always something new to learn. And hey, don’t be afraid to geek out a little. That’s what makes this community great.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and remember, the more we support responsible vendors and advocacy groups, the stronger our community gets. So, get out there, ask questions, and enjoy the experience.

Lisa McLisa

Couldn’t have said it better. Thanks for joining us for another episode of Repticon Reptile Shows. We’ll be back soon with more stories, more scaly friends, and more ways to scale up your curiosity. Jay, Michael, always a pleasure. See you next time!

Michael Arnold

See ya, Lisa, Jay. Take care, everyone!

Jay Tacey

Bye, folks! Don’t forget to check out ReptiDay Melbourne Florida July 19th Until next time!