We also work closely with a growing network of collaborators across academia, industry, and applied animal care sectors. These partnerships allow us to integrate diverse expertise, share resources, and ensure our research remains both scientifically robust and directly applicable to real-world reptile welfare challenges.
Interested in being a collaborator?
Advancing Herpetological Husbandry Facebook Group
With over 40,000 members, this group is one of the largest of its kind and is dedicated to sharing and learning about herpetological husbandry through science. Their goals are to promote the best care rather than basic care, tackle myths about husbandry, and promote new technologies and the use of proven, beneficial technologies. We are excited to share our findings with this large group to spread information about the best husbandry practices we can provide.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdvancingHerpHusbandry
Amazing Animals - Wildlife Preserve
Amazing Animals believes animals should be celebrated and protected. With a team of passionate experts, they are committed to providing the best care for their animals and offering unique experiences to inspire others to take a stand for animals in the wild. Amazing Animals believes education and conservation go hand in hand, and they take pride in their rare species programs and partnerships, which we are pleased to be a part of.
https://www.amazinganimalsinc.org/
Animal Studies Research Collaborative
Starting in 2019, the Animal Studies Research Collaborative is an organization focused on studying animal behavior, welfare, communication, perceptions, and human-animal relationships. Based at Eckerd College, ASRC collaborates with numerous facilities worldwide. Dedicated undergraduate students at Eckerd receive the opportunity to work closely with ASRC and the labs it houses.
British Herpetological Society
The British Herpetological Society focuses on improving husbandry for reptiles and amphibians. As the world's oldest and largest herpetological society based in the UK, they are ranked among the leading scientific publications in herpetology. The BHS supports conservation by focusing on native British species, conducting field studies and scientific research, promoting responsible captive breeding, and expanding knowledge of the animals we know and love. Our director, Professor Erin Rickman, is a board member of this prestigious society and associate editor of the Herpetological Bulletin, and we are enthused that they will be a part of our journey as a growing lab.
Happy Dragons
HappyDragons is a web platform and marketplace designed for reptile enthusiasts. It offers care information from welfare-focused breeders and experts, along with a vetted marketplace that connects users with reputable breeders. The platform is also expanding into an online store for reptile supplies and husbandry-focused smart technology.
RACR - Reptile & Amphibian Center of the Rockies
The mission of this 501(c)(3) organization is to rescue displaced herptiles and broaden conservation efforts. They provide a safe place for enthusiasts to ask questions, gain resources, and engage in conservation efforts. With a focus on education, they encourage visits to their space for immersive learning for all ages and offer educational programs.
https://www.reptilecenter.org/
ReptiFiles
ReptiFiles is a widely used, free online resource offering detailed, science-based care guides and husbandry information for pet reptiles. It emphasizes high standards of care through naturalistic enclosure design and provides in-depth guides, product recommendations, and research-backed information to support reptile welfare.
University of Lincoln
The University of Lincoln is a prestigious school located in the UK. Their Cold Blooded Cognition Lab examines how reptiles learn and retain information about their environment, with a focus on red-footed tortoises, leopard geckos, and bearded dragons. Their studies revealed that early environmental conditions can have profound long-term effects on the cognitions and behavior of these animals. With multiple studies already under their belt, they are paving the way for a revolution in reptile research. Our Director is a proud student of the University of Lincoln, completing her Ph.D in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare, focusing on leopard geckos.
Whitestone Capital and Fortiva Residential
Whitestone Capital, a multi-million-dollar, family-run real estate investment company, specializes in acquiring and optimizing multifamily properties throughout Florida with the expert support of its sister company, Fortiva Residential. Together, these prestigious companies have demonstrated a commitment to improving families' living standards and to supporting wildlife and environmental initiatives. Their advanced data-driven strategies and technological expertise in property management align perfectly with conservation efforts. We are thrilled to announce a partnership focused on conserving Florida’s native reptiles, exploring innovative practices to aid natural populations, and applying this knowledge to enhance captive reptile husbandry. We aim to implement and experiment with the techniques using their amazing housing grounds.
ZooMed
Zoo Med Laboratories produces and distributes a wide range of reptile care products, including lighting, habitats, foods, supplements, and accessories. The company is recognized for pioneering innovations like the first UVB lamp for reptiles, which significantly advanced reptile husbandry practices worldwide. ZooMed proudly supports the lab by donating products to support the health, behavior, and well-being of our animals kept onsite.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa is committed to protecting and preserving wildlife and the natural world. They are leaders in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native Florida species, and they do not stop at Florida; they work on global conservation, too. ZooTampa is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and participates in various Species Survival Programs that aid long-term conservation of vulnerable, threatened, and endangered species. We are thrilled to collaborate with ZooTampa and conduct research on their prized reptile collection.