
Kenny Sheafer working the crowd with his docile Albino (Kahl) Boa Constrictor at Repticon on March 10 in Aurora. [Photo: Duane Hirschfeld]
There were small mammals such as hamsters, guinea pigs and Australian sugar gliders, as well as other species like praying mantises, tarantulas and scorpions. All critters were not only available for public view but to hold, pet, purchase and take home.
Repticon is an event that tours the nation throughout the year. Founded in 2003 by Billy Healy, the mission is to “share reptiles with the world.” Repticon came to Denver for the first time in April 2012.
“Everything is out for you to look at, and it’s all for sell,” Repticon Event Manager, Rayna Waddell said. “We also do educational talks every hour.”

Event Manager Rayna Waddell at Repticon on March 10 in Aurora. Waddell started as a vendor selling mostly bald python snakes. [Photo: Kavann Tok]
Steve Cook of the Colorado Herpetological Society was there to instruct people how to care for their animals. The nonprofit organization was founded in 1972 to provide education in the fields of herpetology and herpetoculture and promote conservation efforts of reptiles and amphibians. In the zoology field, herpetology is the study of amphibians. Herpetoculture is the collection of live reptiles and amphibians cared for in captivity as a hobby or for breeding purposes.
“We do rescues and adoptions,” Cook said. “If people don’t want their animals anymore, we take them in. At the society, we educate and teach people how to take care of them.”

Savannah Ruiz and Jesse Ellis study an Albino (Kahl) Boa Constrictor, which belongs to Kenny Sheafer, at Repticon on March 10 in Aurora. [Photo: Kavann Tok]
“Leopard geckos are nocturnal,” Everard said. “They do need a heat source. Use a heating pad on the bottom of the tank, so they can digest their food well. Mine eat superworms, mealworms and dubia roaches.”
Kenny Sheafer attended the show with his own snake, a Kahl albino Columbian boa constrictor. Sheafer grew up around reptiles his entire life since he was born in Florida. He became familiar with Repticon’s beginnings when he moved to Colorado about three years ago.
“I’m just a huge fan of reptiles,” he said. “I like being in the environment, you know. I love being around other enthusiasts, seeing other breeders and what’s going on.”

Missi Everard has been breeding leopard geckos for six years and sells them at Repticon on March 10 in Aurora. Everard says there are many cool genetics to work with in geckos. [Photo: Kavann Tok]
“That’s one of the reasons why I love red tails,” he said. “They’re super docile and really curious, but for the most part, they’re considered to be a non-aggressive snake.”
Sheafer would like to see more education at the shows. After his own experience, he said lack of education is what leads to improper care for these animals. People buy them as novelty pets, but a few months later, they want to get rid of them.
“It’s sad to see,” Sheafer said. “Same thing with him. Someone, at some point, thought they knew what they were doing but weren’t taking care of him. Had it gone much longer, he would’ve probably died, which is sad. So I would like a better emphasis on awareness and education.”
Whether you’re a reptile enthusiast looking to trade or purchase pets and supplies or just want to take the family out for an enlightening weekend event, Repticon is filled with excitement for all ages.
For more information, visit: Repticon
29. March 2018 at 6:50 AM
Great job, Kavann!
Really good article. I’m glad you
got it and your photos published.
2. April 2018 at 8:36 AM
Good job! You made it interesting by including folks own stories about their pets and interests.
2. April 2018 at 7:27 PM
Great article, educational and informative.