October 21

National Reptile Awareness Day

Celebrate National Reptile Awareness Day with us! Learn more about these fascinating animals, and how to protect them for future generations.

Yearly Date
October 21
Type
Day
Category
Animal

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Reptile Awareness Day on October 21! This day was created to honor the incredible diversity and beauty of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, turtles and more. Reptiles have been around for hundreds of millions of years and are some of the most fascinating creatures in nature. They come in all shapes and sizes with amazing adaptations that help them survive in any environment.

National Reptile Awareness Day Timeline

1865
First Reptile Zoo
The first public zoo dedicated to reptiles, The Reptile House at London Zoo, was opened, marking the beginning of public interest in these fascinating creatures.
1902
Komodo Dragon Discovery
The largest living species of lizard, the Komodo dragon, was discovered in Indonesia by Western scientists, sparking an intense interest in reptiles worldwide.
1969
Endangered Species Act
Enacted in the US, this Act provided federal protection for many endangered reptile species across the country.
1990s
Rise of Exotic Pet Trade
The trade in exotic reptiles as pets boomed, leading to measures to protect them against harmful collection and treatment practices.
2008
National Reptile Awareness Day
The first National Reptile Awareness Day was celebrated to educate the public about the importance of reptiles and conservation efforts to protect them.

How to Celebrate National Reptile Awareness Day

1

Visit a Reptile Zoo

If you have a reptile zoo in your area, take the time to visit and learn all about these amazing creatures. You will be able to view different reptiles as well as ask questions about their care and habitat.

2

Take a Reptile Walk

Go on a nature walk and look for reptiles in your local area. Relevant wildlife organizations may even hold public reptile walks to help educate the public on how to identify different types of reptiles.

3

Educate Yourself

Spend some time researching reptiles online or at your local library. You can learn about their habits, habitats, diet and more.

4

Support Reptile Conservation

Reptiles play an important role in our ecosystems and need our help to survive and thrive. Consider supporting conservation efforts by making donations or volunteering with a local organization.

5

Adopt a Reptile

If you’re looking for a pet, consider adopting a reptile! Adopting an animal not only saves that animal’s life, but it also helps reduce the demand on breeders who are often times not providing proper care.

Why We Love National Reptile Awareness Day

A

Reptiles are fascinating creatures

Reptiles have been around for millions of years and there is still so much to learn about them. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, many with unique adaptations that make them well suited for their environment. From turtles to lizards, snakes to alligators, it's impossible not to be fascinated by these amazing cold-blooded creatures!

B

Reptiles need our help

Many reptile species are threatened due to habitat loss, climate change, overcollection, and other environmental threats. By celebrating National Reptile Awareness Day we can help spread awareness about the important role reptiles play in our ecosystems and work to ensure their future survival.

C

Reptiles can provide companionship

For many people, reptiles can make great pets due to their docile temperament and relatively low maintenance. Not only do they require less attention and care than other animals, but they also provide companionship and entertainment with their curious behavior and wide array of personalities!

National Reptile Awareness Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Oct 21
Saturday
2024
Oct 21
Monday
2025
Oct 21
Tuesday
2026
Oct 21
Wednesday
2027
Oct 21
Thursday