Scales Expo brings reptile education to West Palm Beach

Visitors explore thousands of reptiles at the Scales Reptile Expo at the South Florida Fairgrounds. [Photo by Scales Reptile Expo]

The Scales Reptile Expo will bring thousands of reptiles to the Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds at 9067 Southern Blvd. in West Palm Beach on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 and 18, for animal encounters, photo opportunities, and conversations with breeders and exhibitors.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Ryan Gradney, the owner and operator of Scales Expo, says the show is expected to bring together about 90 breeders, exhibitors and vendors. The animals will

include snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises but no venomous reptiles.

Some animals will be available for purchase, but the expo is also designed for people who simply want to learn more about reptiles while browsing the reptiles in their habitats.

Young reptile fans will have the chance to meet two familiar faces from the online reptile world: Tyler Nolan, originally from Delray Beach, and Paul Cuffaro, a Jupiter native, will host booths.

“A lot of the kids in the community growing up now are so fascinated with YouTube,” Gradney says. At Scales Expo, he adds, they can meet some of the creators they follow online.

Two booths will offer supervised animal encounters and photo opportunities. Gradney says visitors might be able to handle smaller animals as well as an alligator under the direct supervision of experienced handlers.

Although the weekend will not include formal lectures, education remains a central part of the event.

“The best way to get educated with these animals is actually to talk to the vendors themselves,” Gradney says. “You can just ask the questions that pop into your mind right then and there and have an open dialogue.”

Those conversations are especially important for anyone considering purchasing a reptile. Gradney says prospective owners should research an animal’s adult size, lifespan, habitat and feeding requirements, as well as the cost of the animal and its enclosure. They also need to consider whether they can provide the necessary time and attention throughout the animal’s life.

Some tortoises, for example, can live 80 to 100 years, potentially turning their care into a multigenerational commitment.

“It’s a living being, so make sure that you have the time and attention to devote to it,” Gradney says.

He says Scales Expo vets its vendors, looking for knowledgeable participants who will help customers choose an appropriate animal rather than focus solely on completing a sale.

“They can actually educate people and put the right animal in the right home,” he says.

Gradney says animal vendors have the required Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission licenses, and FWC representatives will attend the event. The expo also promotes the message that nonnative animals should never be released into Florida’s environment, which is against state law.

For Gradney, the event’s educational role extends beyond preparing people to become responsible owners. It can also change the way visitors see animals they have feared.

“Even if they’re a little scared of reptiles, I encourage people to just come and see it,” he says. “I’ve seen a lot of people lose their fear of snakes or lizards, even just by some education.”

One-day admission is $20 for ages 14 and older and $10 for 13 and younger. Two-day admission is $30 for ages 14 and older and $15 for those younger. Children 5 and younger are free with a paid adult. Tickets and additional information are available through the Scales Expo website.