Amazing Possibilities!
Kids and reptiles can get along fantastically, given the right situation. Reptiles should always be introduced to children they way you would an old family photograph - as exciting treasures that are too delicate to handle roughly.
The time kids spend with reptiles can be truly special and magical to watch. When it is properly explained to kids just how special reptiles are, they will see your passion, excitement and respect for these magnificent animals and hopefully be interested and want to learn more! Some kids are surprisingly natural at interacting with reptiles.
Pictured is a young naturalist, who made fast friends with a panther chameleon. Not only did the normally unfriendly chameleon tolerate his new friend's interest, the two clearly shared a natural bond of trust, respect, and curiosity. They played in the backyard and explored the lawn together. The most vital aspect of their time together was that the chameleon was always completely respected, and his buddy understood that he was very delicate - and fascinating enough mostly to watch! So many adults could learn from kids like this.
Reptiles as Kids' Pets
This is a matter that is to be discussed between parents and children. There are many very responsible kids out there who may have the potential to make excellent reptile keepers and researchers. The bottom line is that parents must first understand the true responsibilities that keeping a reptile entails, to determine whether or not bringing a reptile into the house is a good idea. Reptiles do not make good surprise birthday presents for children who have little reptile knowledge and potentially fleeting interest.
There are many considerations when thinking of allowing a child to have a reptile - the animal's welfare and special needs, realistically how much it will cost over time, the daily energy needed for care, the life span of the animal (most live at least 5 years, and some well over 20!), and so on. A serious matter to discuss is if the child in question is interested in the species that make good kids pets, such as bearded dragons and leopard geckos. Animals such as chameleons may be tempting, but unless the parent is an avid enthusiast, are best saved for later.
Keeping Reptiles in Classrooms
...Are where things get tricky! Reptiles are very different from warm blooded small animals in many obvious ways. They aren't cuddly or fuzzy like hamsters and rabbits. But understanding the ways in which they are less obviously different is what really matters when it comes to considering bringing a reptile into a classroom setting. Many species of reptiles, such as chameleons, do not do well permanently situated in open areas with large numbers of people, where they may feel exposed and vulnerable. Animals such as Bearded Dragons and leopard geckos make the best classroom pets: they are relatively tough creatures and often are intrigued by human interaction - provided they feel safe, respected and comfortable. When any animal is kept in a public space, great care must be taken to ensure that it is always treated with respect and that its care and well being are never compromised for any reason.
I have spoken with many teachers, especially while working in the pet industry, and have sadly noted a great amount of unintentional improper care of classroom reptiles. Anoles bear the brunt of this problem not surprisingly, because they normally sell for around five dollars and are purchased before the buyer is aware of their requirements. There have been many reports of care sheets distributed though schools that list "one small cricket a week" as being correct anole feeding, which could not be farther from the truth. I also met many young students who had taken home anoles that were routinely handed out at the end of the school year by teachers: which is a very nice idea, but not a very nice practice. These students end up going to the pet store (at best) to buy a small plastic cage and perhaps a cheap heat rock. I strongly recommend that teachers do not give away reptiles, or encourage students to purchase cheap reptiles for class projects. Instead, allow parents and children to privately discuss the responsibility, dedication, and finances incurred in properly keeping a reptilian pet. Direct them to information sources. Although reptiles such as anoles are some of the absolute cheapest animals available in the pet trade, they are far more expensive to humanely maintain than other small animals such as hamsters and gerbils.
There is a great deal of potential for the positive combination of reptiles and classrooms. Hopefully over time this page can grow to add more support for interested teachers. If you are a teacher and have any wonderful success stories (to show people what is possible), suggestions, ideas or requests, please contact the webmaster.
