Reptile Awareness Day was established to highlight the importance of reptiles in our world and to promote their conservation. Reptiles often face various threats, including habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, making it crucial to raise awareness about their value and the need to protect them.

To celebrate Reptile Awareness Day – Science Teacher, Miss Moore shares with us some interesting facts and experiences caring for reptiles.

Meet Chick and Duck:

At EPC, we have two Royal Pythons who live in G6 with Miss Moore – named Chick and Duck. They are 9-year old rescue snakes so their age is approximate. They are both just over 1 metre in length and they really enjoy their food, including whole delicious rats.

Royal Pythons live for up to 10 years of age in the wild but can live up to 40 years old in captivity. Chick and Duck love a cuddle and a good chin scratch, they are well adapted to being held by pupils so they are a firm favourite here at EPC. Pupils enjoy wearing them around their necks, holding them in their arms and even wrapping them around their wrists. 

Fun Facts about Royal Pythons: 

  1. They are called Ball Pythons in some countries due to their defensive posture of coiling into a tight ball with their heads protected in the centre of the coil
  2. The name Royal Python is believed to be derived from the fact that many African rulers were known to have worn live Pythons as jewellery
  3. They are believed to be the longest living snakes in captivity with some living into their forties.

Meet Dave:

Dave is our second species of Reptile here at EPC he is a bearded dragon and lives with Miss Roscoe in G4. Dave is 3 years old and is a delight to many of our pupils. Dave loves his locusts but isn’t a fan of veggies and will only eat his salad when coaxed. Dave is a wonderful pet and loves being held and fussed, he can often be found in school sitting happily on someone’s shoulder while they work. 

Some facts about bearded dragons:

Fun Facts about Bearded Dragons:

  1. They can climb trees
  2. They wear their emotions on their chins, if they are unhappy their chin goes dark
  3. They can regrow their teeth

Meet Mike:

A special mention to our Axolotl Mike who is 7-years old and a female. Mike isn’t a reptile but is too cute to not include a picture of her lounging on her hammock! 

Reptile Awareness Day is celebrated annually on October 21st. Reptiles, which include snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocodiles, are fascinating creatures that play vital roles in ecosystems around the globe. This day encourages people to learn more about these unique animals, appreciate their importance, and support conservation efforts to protect their habitats and populations.