Draft:Reptile Encounters

[[Category:AfC submissions by date/<0030Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:11:00 +0000202643 2026-04-07T03:11:00+00:00Tuesdayam0000=error>EpTue, 07 Apr 2026 03:11:00 +0000UTC00001120264 UTCTue, 07 Apr 2026 03:11:00 +0000Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:11:00 +00002026Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:11:00 +0000: 17755314604Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:11:00 +0000UTC2026-04-07T03:11:00+00:002026341196UTC07 pu42026-04-07T03:11:00+00:0030uam301120264 2026-04-07T03:11:00+00:0003amTue, 07 Apr 2026 03:11:00 +0000am2026-04-07T03:11:00+00:0030UTCTue, 07 Apr 2026 03:11:00 +0000 &qu202630;:&qu202630;.</0030Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:11:00 +0000202643>April 2026|Reptile Encounters]]

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Reptile Encounters is an Australian wildlife education company and mobile zoo based in Burwood, Victoria. Founded in 2007 by Josh Cox, the organisation specialises in interactive wildlife programs for the K–12 education sector, as well as community events, corporate engagements, and disability support services. Its stated mission is to inspire conservation awareness and environmental stewardship through direct encounters with Australian native wildlife.

History

Reptile Encounters was founded in 2007 by Josh Cox, a Melbourne-based wildlife educator with a Bachelor of Medical Science from La Trobe University and a background in pharmaceutical sales. Cox has cited his parents' teaching careers as a formative influence on his decision to bring live native animals into educational settings.

The organisation began as a mobile zoo offering school incursion programs across metropolitan Melbourne and expanded over subsequent years to serve regional Victoria and beyond. The company's animal collection has grown to more than 450 native animals, including the yellow-spotted monitor and the critically endangered bettong. As of 2024, the organisation employed more than 50 staff members, including Wildlife Ambassadors, educators, and animal care specialists.

During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), Reptile Encounters adapted its model to deliver virtual wildlife shows and livestream experiences — later branded as "Wild Livestreams" — enabling continuity of educational programming during extended periods of school closures and public health restrictions.

Programs and services

School incursions

Reptile Encounters' primary offering is a suite of K–12 educational wildlife programs delivered at schools across Victoria. These programs are structured to align with curriculum outcomes and are designed to engage students through direct animal interaction. Programs cover topics including Australian reptiles, native birds, insects and minibeasts, marine life, and life cycles.

The company operates an online learning platform called Harriet, which provides teacher-created digital resources designed to complement in-person incursion programs.

Birthday parties and community events

Reptile Encounters offers wildlife show packages for children's birthday parties and community festivals, featuring hands-on encounters with native animals including reptiles, birds, and other wildlife. Open days are held each term at the company's Burwood headquarters.

Corporate events and entertainment

The company provides wildlife entertainment for corporate clients across Melbourne, including team-building activities, Christmas parties, and family days. Live stage shows, static wildlife displays in natural-set terrariums, and roving animal experiences are available. Founder Josh Cox holds an Advanced TV Presenting qualification from the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS).

Virtual and livestream programs

During and following the COVID-19 period, Reptile Encounters developed a virtual program format enabling schools and organisations to participate in wildlife education remotely via livestream.

Disability support and inclusion programs

Pathways Program

Established in 2019, the Pathways Zoo Keeper Program is an NDIS-registered support initiative for individuals aged 14 and over with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants engage in hands-on animal care and zoo-keeping activities at the Burwood facility on a regular weekly basis. The program is delivered on a 1:1 basis by degree-qualified facilitators, and is funded under the NDIS Core Supports category (Assistance with Social and Community Participation). The Pathways Program was recognised with the Enablement Award for Most Outstanding Innovation in the NDIS/Disability sector in 2023.

Branching Out Program

The Branching Out Program is an NDIS-registered online wildlife learning program designed for children and young people with special needs. Delivered over ten weeks, it covers topics including insects, native wildlife, and backyard ecosystems.

Conservation and community impact

Reptile Encounters maintains a partnership with B1G1 (Buy1Give1), a global giving platform. For each school incursion booked, the organisation makes a charitable contribution through B1G1 to projects focused on environmental protection and access to education, both within Australia and internationally.

The organisation publicly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which it operates — the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation — and incorporates this acknowledgement into its public communications and events.

Government recognition and funding

In 2024, Reptile Encounters was named as a recipient of funding under the Victorian Government's Enabling Tourism Fund 2024, a competitive grant program forming part of the Labor Government's broader $170 million investment in regional tourism under the Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan. The funding was awarded to support development of a masterplan for a proposed new zoo on Phillip Island.

The announcement was made by Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos and Reptile Encounters was listed among 29 regional tourism projects receiving funding in the 2024 round.

Media coverage

Reptile Encounters and its founder Josh Cox have been featured across a range of Australian media outlets.

Print

The organisation has been featured in the Herald Sun on multiple occasions, including a profile piece on wildlife conservation and community engagement, and a photo feature on the company's saltwater crocodile by photographer Alex Coppel. In November 2018, Josh Cox was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald in an article by journalist Cara Waters on birthday party trends in Australia. Reptile Encounters was also featured on the front page of the Mildura Weekly.

Television

In January 2021, Josh Cox appeared on Channel 9 News in a segment on supporting local businesses, filmed on location at the Reptile Encounters Burwood facility with reporter Chris Kohler.

Radio

The organisation has been featured on Mix 101.1 (Melbourne) and provided animals for a segment recorded at KIIS 101.1 in Richmond.

Podcasts

Josh Cox was interviewed on episode 53 of the Climactic podcast, discussing wildlife education, conservation, and connecting young people with nature. Josh Cox has additionally been a guest on The Herpetile Podcast.

Trade media

The organisation was the subject of a feature article in Pet Industry News in June 2022, focusing on the educational philosophy behind its school incursion programs.

Awards and recognition

Reptile Encounters has received the following recognition:

• 2016 – Finalist, Australian Small Business Champion Awards
• 2017 – Finalist, Australian Small Business Champion Awards
• 2019 – Finalist, Australian Small Business Champion Awards
• 2023 – Winner, Monash Business Awards (Science & Education category)
• 2023 – Finalist, Australian Small Business Champion Awards (Children's Educational Services)
• 2023 – Winner, Enablement Award for Most Outstanding Innovation in the NDIS/Disability sector
• 2024 – Winner, Bx Business xCellence Award (Education Services category)