21/10/2026
Reptile Awareness Day: The National Reptile Zoo tackles fears and misconceptions with nationwide education programme
This Reptile Awareness Day (21 October), the Kilkenny based National Reptile Zoo is encouraging people to look beyond the scales and discover the vital role reptiles play in our ecosystems
Founder and Director of the National Reptile Zoo, James Hennessy, pictured with Melody the iguana in the National Reptile Zoo
From snakes and lizards to tortoises and alligators, reptiles are often some of the world's most misunderstood creatures. But beyond their sometimes fearsome reputation, these fascinating animals play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, from controlling pest populations to helping plants grow and keeping food chains in balance.
This Reptile Awareness Day (21 October), the National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny is encouraging people across Ireland to rethink how they view reptiles and discover why protecting these incredible creatures is more important than ever.
With more than one in five reptile species worldwide threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), education and awareness have an increasingly important role to play in conservation efforts.
Through its nationwide Zoo-To-You programme, the National Reptile Zoo is bringing that message directly into schools, workplaces and events across Ireland, giving people the opportunity to encounter some of the world's most fascinating animals up close while learning about their behaviours, habitats and importance in the natural world.
Founder and Zoo Director of the National Reptile Zoo, James Hennessy, says, “Reptiles are some of the most misunderstood animals on the planet, but they play an incredibly important role in keeping our ecosystems healthy. From snakes helping to control rodent populations to tortoises dispersing seeds, these animals do far more for the natural world than many people realise.”
Some of the important roles reptiles play in our ecosystems include:
Nature's pest controllers: Many snakes and lizards feed on rodents, insects and other small animals, helping to regulate their populations and maintain balance in natural ecosystems.
Helping plants grow: Certain reptiles, including fruit-eating lizards and tortoises, help disperse seeds through their droppings, contributing to plant growth and the regeneration of habitats.
Keeping food chains in balance: Reptiles play an important role as both predators and prey, helping to regulate populations while providing food for birds, mammals and other wildlife.
Unlocking medical breakthroughs: Reptiles could even hold the key to future medical discoveries. Scientists are studying the powerful immune systems of alligators and crocodiles, whose blood contains natural antimicrobial substances that can help fight harmful bacteria. Researchers are exploring how these properties could inspire new treatments for infections, highlighting another important reason to protect these remarkable animals.
Through the interactive Zoo-To-You programme, experienced zookeepers from the National Reptile Zoo bring a range of fascinating animals, including giant pythons, geckos, tortoises, scorpions and tarantulas, directly to schools, workplaces and events across Ireland. The hands-on sessions give participants the opportunity to encounter these incredible creatures up close, helping to challenge common misconceptions and inspire curiosity about species that are often feared or overlooked.
Available across every county in Ireland, including Northern Ireland, sessions range from 40 to 90 minutes and can be tailored to suit different age groups, subjects and educational needs. Fully licensed and insured, the programme offers a safe, interactive and engaging way for participants to learn about these fascinating creatures. Zoo-To-You prices start at €400.
Founder and Zoo Director of the National Reptile Zoo, James Hennessy, adds, "Education is one of the most powerful tools we have when it comes to conservation. Through our Zoo-To-You programme, we're able to bring these animals directly into classrooms and communities across Ireland, giving people the chance to learn about them up close, ask questions and hopefully challenge some of the misconceptions they might have. We want people to leave these experiences with a greater appreciation for reptiles and an understanding of why protecting them and their natural habitats matters."
To mark Reptile Awareness Day, the National Reptile Zoo is also shining a spotlight on its resident alligators, Bambam (male) and Lafleur (female), in its latest 'Reptile of the Month' Instagram reel ().
In the reel, James talks viewers through some fascinating facts about these often misunderstood creatures, from their surprising intelligence and ability to recognise and respond to their names to the powerful bellows they use to communicate.
For more information on the National Reptile Zoo or to enquire about its nationwide Zoo-To-You programme, visit www.nrz.ie.
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