KEY Magazine Fort Worth

Arlington Convention Center Hosts The North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show (click here for this article in PDF format)

Amateur and professional reptile lovers have an opportunity to get up close and personal with cold-blooded creatures at the first North American Reptile Breeders Conference & Trade Show at the Arlington Convention Center February 17 and 18. Open to the public, the high quality, captive-bred-only reptile show brings together 100 dealers from across the country offering more than 10,000 exotic and pet-friendly reptiles from snakes, frogs, turtles, geckos, iguanas, and tortoises as well as all the supplies needed to support a “herp” hobby.

Nigel Marven, star of Animal Planet’s new series “Prehistoric Park” will be at the Arlington Convention Center to talk about “Reptile Filming Around the World: From Dinosaurs to Komodo Dragons!” Saturday at 3 p.m. He will also be available to meet fans and sign autographs. “Prehistoric Park” presents Marven in a challenging setting: going back in time to rescue prehistoric animals from extinction and bringing them back to the wildlife sanctuary. Each episode involves a different prehistoric adventure as he heads back in time to save creatures from extinction. In the process, he experiences some of Earth’s most devastating extinctions and discovers what caused each one.

Marven’s personal favorite animal is the Peregrine falcon labeling it one of the world’s most majestic birds. His own pet collection includes leopard geckos, Honduran milk snakes, blue-tongued skink, amphiuma, sharp-ribbed salamander and a Verreaux’s eagle owl named Oscar. Over 11 million Americans own reptiles according to the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association. Some of Hollywood’s superstars have chosen one of these slithering, hissing creatures as household pets. They include Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, and Matt LeBlanc, and Seattle SuperSonics’ Mikki Moore. Slash from Guns & Roses and Joe Perry from Aerosmith have also become herpetoculturalists. According to experts in this field if you are thinking of bringing a reptile into your home, here are a few things you will need to be aware of before you get started. Take some time to evaluate your life style in relation to the amount of care different reptiles need. Use the Internet to research and visit websites such as www.kingsnake.com. Pick up a copy of Reptiles Magazine and books from a local pet store that can help you compare your lifestyle with the needs of the animal you’re considering adding to your household. A proper diet ensures that your pet will thrive and that you will be able to enjoy each other for years. Consult a reputable pet store or a species-specific care manual to ensure you are properly feeding your pet. Shelter is another area you need to investigate. Reptiles not only need a well-constructed and secure home, they also need a “little piece of home.” Balance the pet’s environment. Reptiles not only need a well-constructed place to call their own, but have specific criteria for water depending on what type of animal they are. The cold-blooded creatures at this exhibition and sale of pet-friendly “herps” at the Arlington Convention Center range in price from $5 to $75,000. Everything from the common gecko to rare breeds of snakes with unusual morphing of colors will be represented. This reptile show is produced by ECO Wear and Publishing and Chicago Reptile house, Inc., and is sponsored by T-Rex, Timberline and Gourmet Rodent. All animals at the North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show are audited to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws as well as the guidelines of the Herpetological Society and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.

Saturday, February 17, at 6 p.m., the NARBC will host a fundraiser for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council. Admission is free to this event and includes a live auction.

The North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show is open to the public Saturday, February 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, February 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arlington Convention Center, 1200 BallPark Way in Arlington, Texas. Weekend passes are $15 for general admission; children under 13, $8; ages 5 and under are admitted free. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts with proof of membership will get in for $5. A $100 VIP badge, allows show-goers entrance to the Show Preview Friday, February 16, at 5 p.m. The VIP badge also provides advance show entrance at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information about the conference or to order tickets, e-mail info@narbc.com or visit www.narbc.com or www.reptileconference.com or call 708-932-8044.

Return to Table of Contents

This website designed, hosted and maintained for KEY Magazine Fort Worth by

...when it's time to establish an Internet presence.