Conservation & Research

Our Commitment

Reptilia has been dedicated to the protection and preservation of global herpetofauna through a philosophy of hands-on education and research. Today, it is recognized as a premier Canadian conservation hub, housing a population where approximately 85% of residents are rescues, effectively serving as a vital safety net for species displaced by the exotic pet trade and habitat loss.

Reptilia strives to ensure that the world’s most maligned reptiles and amphibians have a secure future through both scientific advancement and public stewardship.

Our Goals

At Reptilia, our commitment to wildlife preservation is anchored in the belief that conservation is a global responsibility that begins with local action. We are proud to announce the opening of the Reptilia Conservation Corridor, an innovative initiative designed to connect habitats and provide safe passage for native species—a critical step in combating the fragmentation of Ontario’s ecosystems.

Our goals extend into the future of genetic preservation through the CAZA Biobanking Program, where we utilize state-of-the-art cryogenic technology to safeguard the genetic diversity of threatened reptiles for generations to come. To ensure our impact is felt in every community we serve, we have set a mandate to establish at least one dedicated local conservation program at each of our facilities, tailored to the unique environmental needs of the surrounding region.

Furthermore, we are deepening our involvement in Species Survival Plans (SSP), with a specific focus on several at-risk turtle species, ensuring that these ancient creatures continue to thrive through coordinated breeding and recovery efforts.

Learn About Our Research

Reptilia is committed to conservation through education, responsible animal care, native wildlife support, and global conservation partnerships.

Every visit helps us protect species, support research, and inspire the next generation to respect and conserve Reptiles and wildlife.

Click below to learn more about each of our conservation programs and how you can make a difference. 🌎🐊

Learn About Our Research
Biodiversity Biobanking
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Conservation Planning For Canadian Snakes
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Learn About Our Research

Biodiversity Biobanking

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Learn More

Conservation Planning For Canadian Snakes

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Learn More

Conservation & Zoo Initatives

Biodiversity BioBank

Launched in late 2025, the CAZA Biodiversity Biobank is a national partnership with the Canadian Museum of Nature that secures genetic material—such as DNA and tissue—to safeguard at-risk species from extinction. As an accredited member of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, Reptilia participates by contributing biological samples from its diverse reptile and amphibian collections. This initiative acts as a "genetic safety net," enabling future research and assisted reproduction for vulnerable herpetofauna across its Ontario facilities.

SSP Programs

As part of its commitment to global conservation, Reptilia participates in Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, which are coordinated breeding initiatives designed to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of threatened species within accredited zoos. By collaborating with other CAZA and AZA institutions, Reptilia manages the breeding and transfer of key residents to ensure these species do not face "genetic bottlenecks." These programs go beyond simple breeding; they serve as a living insurance policy against extinction, combining meticulous genealogical records (studbooks) with expert husbandry to support future reintroduction efforts into the wild.

Conservation Planning for Canadian Snakes

Reptilia participates in national conservation workshops, such as the Integrated Collection Assessment and Planning (ICAP) sessions for Canadian snakes. During these workshops, Reptilia provides expert recommendations on how facility-based care can directly benefit wild populations. Their contributions help determine species-specific actions—ranging from genetic research and husbandry training to public education—ensuring that captive management effectively complements on-the-ground conservation efforts for at-risk reptiles across Canada.

Antivenom Canada

Antivenom Canada is a specialized emergency database and logistics network managed by Reptilia Zoo. It is designed to bridge the gap between the public healthcare system and the zoological community.