Our animals are at the heart of everything we do
The animals you meet at Scaly Safari are not a collection — they are individuals. Each has been carefully chosen for their temperament, presence, and suitability for calm, close experiences with people. They live with us, and are well known to us in day-to-day life, not just in session settings.
We work with a small, considered group of reptiles who are respected as part of our team and introduced thoughtfully, based on setting, group size, and what feels right for them on the day.
Marmalade
Burmese python
Marmalade is calm, steady, and unhurried. She has a grounding presence that many people notice immediately, especially those who feel a little nervous at first. She is content to move slowly, rest comfortably, and simply be — which often creates space for others to do the same.
During sessions, Marmalade tends to draw quiet curiosity rather than excitement. Some children enjoy holding her with guidance, while others prefer to sit nearby and observe. Both are equally welcome. Marmalade doesn’t demand attention, and she never rushes interaction — she meets people exactly where they are.
She is introduced thoughtfully, and only when the setting, group size, and pace of the session feel right for her. When Marmalade is present, the room often softens around her.
Luna
Blue-eyed leucistic royal python
Luna is calm, gentle, and quietly striking. Her pale colouring and soft blue eyes often draw people in before they realise it — there’s something almost ethereal about her presence. She moves slowly and predictably, which many children (and adults) find deeply reassuring.
During sessions, Luna is often a first point of connection for those who feel unsure around reptiles. Some people choose to hold her with guidance; others simply enjoy watching her rest and move peacefully nearby. There is no expectation either way — Luna is just as content being observed as she is being held.
She is introduced carefully and only when the setting and pace feel right. When Luna is present, the atmosphere tends to become quieter, more attentive, and noticeably calmer.
Xander
Blue-tongued skink
Xander has a calm, steady presence that feels almost ancient. He moves slowly and deliberately, taking his time to observe what’s around him. When his distinctive blue tongue appears, it often catches people by surprise — a small, unforgettable moment that draws curiosity rather than excitement.
During sessions, Xander is content to sit quietly, explore at his own pace, or simply rest while people watch closely. Children who prefer animals that feel solid and predictable often gravitate toward him. He doesn’t rush interaction, and he doesn’t demand attention — he simply is, which many people find grounding.
Xander is introduced when the setting allows for stillness and focus. His presence tends to invite careful observation and thoughtful questions, encouraging people to slow down and really notice what’s in front of them.
Pumpkyn & Merlin
Bearded dragons
Pumpkyn and Merlin are gentle, steady, and quietly sociable bearded dragons, each with their own presence and personality. With their unusual colouring and relaxed nature, they often feel immediately approachable — the kind of animals who are content to sit calmly and take in what’s happening around them.
During sessions, either Pumpkyn or Merlin may be introduced, depending on how they’re feeling on the day. Both are unhurried and tolerant, making them reassuring companions for children who want closeness without unpredictability.
Some enjoy having a bearded dragon rest quietly on their shoulder or arm; others prefer to sit nearby and watch — both are equally welcome.
Honey
Mexican red-leg tarantula
Honey is slow-moving, calm, and unexpectedly gentle. Her presence alone often shifts the atmosphere in the room — not through drama, but through stillness. People tend to notice themselves softening around her before they realise it’s happening.
During sessions, Honey is introduced with care and clear guidance. Some children (and adults) choose to hold her when they feel ready; others prefer to watch closely from a little distance. There is no expectation to participate in any particular way. What matters is that each person is given time to meet Honey on their own terms.
It’s not uncommon for people to arrive feeling deeply uneasy around spiders, and to leave with a sense of respect — sometimes even quiet pride — they didn’t expect. These moments aren’t encouraged or celebrated; they’re simply allowed to unfold when the space feels safe enough.
Flower
Tenrec
Flower is quietly irresistible. Many people meet her having never heard of a tenrec before, and she quickly becomes a favourite — not because she demands attention, but because she invites it so naturally.
She is gentle, curious, and content to explore at her own pace. During sessions, Flower often sparks soft smiles and genuine wonder as people notice her small movements, unusual features, and calm confidence. Children tend to lean in rather than rush toward her, drawn by curiosity rather than excitement.
Flower is a regular presence at our sessions and plays an important role in helping people feel at ease. She offers something unexpected without being overwhelming — a reminder that fascination doesn’t have to be loud to be memorable.
Apollo
Brazilian rainbow boa
Apollo is striking in a way that often stops people mid-sentence. His colours and patterns catch the light subtly, revealing soft iridescence rather than flash. There’s a quiet beauty to him that invites attention without demanding it.
Despite his appearance, Apollo is calm and approachable. He moves smoothly and with intention, settling comfortably when introduced and responding well to gentle, unhurried handling. Many people are surprised by how relaxed he feels to be with — his presence is reassuring rather than imposing.
Apollo is introduced thoughtfully, with attention to setting and pace. When he’s present, the room often becomes more attentive, as people take time to really look and notice. He offers a moment of wonder that feels earned — a reminder that extraordinary things don’t need to be loud to be memorable.
Indie
Ambilobe panther chameleon
Indie is captivating in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re in his presence. His colours shift subtly, almost imperceptibly, responding to light, mood, and environment. Watching him is less like meeting an animal and more like witnessing something quietly alive and attentive.
Indie is gentle, observant, and highly sensitive to his surroundings. He doesn’t seek attention, and interaction with him is always calm and minimal. Many people don’t hold Indie at all — they simply watch, noticing the detail of his movement, his eyes, and the slow, deliberate way he takes in the world.
Because of his delicate nature, Indie is only present when conditions are just right. Meeting him is a privilege rather than an expectation, and his wellbeing always comes first. When Indie is part of a session, the atmosphere often shifts into something quieter and more reverent — a reminder that some experiences are powerful precisely because they are rare.
A note about who you may meet
This page introduces a small selection of the animals you may meet during your time with us. Not every animal attends every session, and specific animals can never be guaranteed. Our crew rotates thoughtfully, with decisions guided by welfare, setting, group size, and what feels right for each individual on the day.
Meeting an animal is always optional, and observing from a distance is just as valued as hands-on interaction. This approach allows our animals to remain calm and well-supported, and ensures each experience is held with care, respect, and intention.