Reptile Encounters — Attraction in Melbourne

I’m totally disappointed about the event they did at a local shopping Centre during this week. The lady asked volunteers to raise their hands who are interesting to hold the reptiles, but she only let about 24 kids to hold different animals during one session but didn’t care about what other little ones feel, who had an interest to hold or touch the animal but did not get any chance. They were keep raising their hands including my child with high hopes that the lady will pick them to touch the animal but didn’t have any luck. My child went to the next session too, expecting he will get a chance, but he didn’t and came home with tears. Other than enjoying the show he was waiting and waiting hopelessly until his turn come. If they don’t want kids to touch their animal, they should not let anyone to touch them but why only for half of the children? When, I mentioned about it at the end of session the lady just said sorry and gave me a brochure and said I can come and visit them at Burwood or do a birthday party event. Will it rectify my child’s broken heart? For them it’s all about marketing. Yes, I can take my child to their place (but I never want to go to a place who does not feel a child) but I cannot undo the unpleasant incident happened to him. They should organise these events in a way that every child can have an opportunity other than pleasing half of the children and breaking other half’s...

I cannot recommend Reptile Encounters' Pathways Program highly enough! My daughter has been a participant for the past year and a half, and it has been nothing short of transformative for her.

This program is truly exceptional for young adults with ASD. It has provided her with invaluable skills in animal husbandry, fostering her love and understanding of reptiles and other animals. Beyond the technical skills, she has gained a profound sense of responsibility and confidence. The positive social interactions she’s experienced have been a highlight, helping her build meaningful connections and grow socially.

The Pathways Program has not only enriched her knowledge but also significantly impacted her outlook on life and her self-happiness. Her participation has become the highlight of her week, something she eagerly anticipates and deeply enjoys. It has been a game-changer for her future prospects and overall well-being.

If you’re looking for a program that makes a real difference, Reptile Encounters is it. They provide an incredible, supportive environment where young adults with ASD can thrive and discover their potential.

We are so grateful and thrilled to be a part of such an incredible program, company and team of staff! Keep up the...

The Reptile Encounters (RE) Pathway Program has achieved what more traditional medical and allied health supports could not for my son. My son has worked alongside his RE facilitator and team, one afternoon every week since he was 10 years old, to learn to care for and enrich the lives of the many animals. It has enabled my son to escape his trauma and find some peace, whilst also catering to his abundant thirst to learn about our native wildlife. At RE he has found his tribe where he is surrounded by people whom are passionate about animals, accept him for who he is, and encourage him to try new tasks. The evidence is in the happy banter on the floor at headquarters when I arrive to pick him up, how we always fail to leave on time, and his willingness to perform all of the tasks including those that are less pleasant (yes that is cleaning up the poo!). Special mention to Roman (red-tailed black cockatoo) for patiently training my son on how to give commands, and Simba and Alba (dingoes) for enticing him to...