About Ivy's Exotics & Encounters

What Kids Will Learn

Education with a heartbeat—and a tail

Every time someone meets one of our reptiles up close, something powerful happens. A fear fades. A question sparks. A connection is made.That’s what Ivy’s Exotics & Encounters is all about.

Bringing people face-to-face with misunderstood creatures—not just to entertain, but to inspire. Every show is a chance to open minds, replace fear with fascination, and build a real love for reptiles in hearts that never expected it. But there's something even more powerful happening behind the scenes.

Many of the animals we work with have been rescued from heartbreaking situations—neglect, injury, or abandonment. Every event we do helps fund the care, recovery, and rehoming of reptiles that deserve a second chance.

Your booking doesn’t just create a fun, unforgettable experience—it helps save a life. This isn’t just animal education. It’s animal rehabilitation. It’s advocacy. It’s using wonder to build a more compassionate world—one show at a time.

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, planning a school event, or just curious about the wild… you're helping create something bigger. And we’re so grateful to have you along for the journey.

When a child walks away from our show, they don’t just remember facts—they remember how it felt. To be close to something wild. To be trusted with something gentle. To care about something they never expected to love.

  1. Ecology & conservation From the Everglades to their own backyard, students discover how reptiles play a vital role in healthy ecosystems—and why protecting them matters.

  1. Respect for all creatures We talk about boundaries, body language, and consent—even with animals. Kids learn how to approach reptiles (and people) with curiosity instead of fear.

  1. Compassion through connection Many of our animals were rescued from abuse, injury, or neglect. When a child holds one gently and hears their story, something shifts—fear becomes empathy.

  1. The power of observation Not every lesson has to roar. Students learn to slow down, notice the little things, and appreciate the beauty in stillness, texture, and movement.

  1. Biology in real life From cold-blooded circulation to camouflage, kids get to see how reptiles adapt, survive, and thrive—turning textbook concepts into unforgettable moments.

  1. Storytelling meets science Every animal has a name, a story, and a lesson to share. When kids meet them, science becomes personal—and that’s when real learning sticks

  1. Courage & confidence Holding a snake or petting a lizard can be a big step for some kids. We celebrate those moments and remind them: bravery doesn’t always roar—it sometimes slithers.

Lessons that crawl, slither, and stick with them for life

Ivy Martin did an absolutely amazing job caring for my tortoises for two months! She was so responsible, attentive, and truly went above and beyond to make sure they were well-fed, healthy, and happy. It gave me such peace of mind knowing they were in such good hands. Ivy’s love for animals really shines through in the way she cares for them, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I highly recommend her to anyone needing a trustworthy and caring pet sitter!

Dayna M

★★★★★

Pet Gallery

Showcasing our diverse range of beloved exotic and domestic pets.