This Queen’s passion for reptiles is anything but Little

• Little Reptile Queen
• Educates kids on care and commitment

Holding reptiles may sound scary to some, but one local owner is trying to show people the animals aren’t to be feared.

Emily Little hosts educational and interactive reptile shows, introducing children to the critters in a safe environment.

“I love to show people that these animals aren’t so scary,” Little, owner of Little Reptile Queen, told Kelowna10.

“[I want] to show kids that these animals are truly wonderful, and to educate them that if they do want to take on the responsibility of having a reptile, what that takes.”

She got the idea for her business name after working at the Kangaroo Farm. She used to host reptile shows there and everyone would call her the little reptile queen.

Her passion for reptiles started when she was 12 years old, after getting her first leopard gecko – which she still has -- along with several other reptiles and arachnids. They’re all nicely organized in her reptile room, which features terrariums and plenty of live plants, as well.

Her kitten was curious about the lizards, keeping a watchful eye on them during our interview.

“I’ve just always loved reptiles and I love to debunk the misconceptions about them, just to show these animals, they’re not to be hated or feared, they’re quite beautiful,” she said.

Little explained how children often want to buy reptiles after seeing them, but may not understand the long-term commitment it takes to care for them.

“A lot of these animals are being bought as pets for people, either kids or adults, and after a little while, people get bored of them,” Little said.

She decided to do her part to help educate people about the responsibility of owning reptiles. Most of her animals are rehomed, meaning she adopted them from people who lost interest in them.

Little hopes to continue educating people with her shows and she said she will be releasing a line of merchandise in the future.