WELFARE & ETHICS
At Scaly Safari, animal welfare is not an added feature of what we do — it is the foundation.
Every decision we make begins with one question:
Is this in the best interest of the animal?
If the answer is unclear, we don’t proceed.
OUR approach
We work with living, sentient animals — not props, performers, or commodities.
Each animal in our care is an individual, with their own tolerances, preferences, and limits. We pay close attention to behaviour, body language, and stress signals, and we adapt our practices accordingly.
Interaction is always:
carefully supervised
consent-led on the animal’s side
optional for participants
guided by calm, experienced handlers
No one is ever pressured to hold an animal.
No animal is ever pushed beyond what they are comfortable with.
WELFARE BEFORE SPECTACLE
We do not prioritise reactions, photos, or novelty over wellbeing.
As our understanding deepens, so does our definition of ethical practice. We regularly review how we work, refine our boundaries, and make changes where something no longer feels clean, necessary, or aligned.
Some experiences evolve.
Some practices are left behind.
That is not inconsistency — it is responsibility.
HOW WE CARE FOR OUR ANIMALS
Animal welfare informs every part of our operation, including:
enclosure standards and enrichment
species-appropriate temperature, humidity, and lighting
transport conditions and time out of habitat
rest periods, rotation, and workload
careful selection of animals suited to calm educational encounters
Our collection is intentionally curated, not excessive.
Quality of life always outweighs quantity of animals or bookings.
Ethics as a Living Practice
We don’t claim perfection.
We do commit to reflection, learning, and integrity.
Ethical animal work is not static — it requires attention, humility, and the willingness to adapt as understanding grows.
That commitment guides Scaly Safari now, and into the future.
A CLEAR BOUNDARY
If an experience, request, or setting compromises animal welfare, we will say no — even if it means turning down work.
That line is not negotiable.
Our animals are not here to entertain at any cost.
They are here to be met — respectfully, thoughtfully, and on their own terms.