ReptiDay provides destination for reptile enthusiasts

Ethan Rogge and his father, Mark, were allergic to furry animals.

So instead, at a young age, Ethan had got first gecko, and he soon was breeding and producing others, leading him to found SoFlo Reptiles.

The Naples-based business was a vendor at ReptiDay, the one-day version of the weekend ReptiCon events, held July 12 at Sahib Shrine Center.

Featuring reptiles from snakes to skinks along with non-reptilian animals, animal care products, and merchandise, the expo featured just shy of 20 vendors according to Lisa Parker, manager of Vivid Special Events.

Ramon Acevedo called it an experience that was “very hard to find” locally and something not available in pet stores.

“ReptiCon is kind of like the only thing that a lot of people have in person for reptiles,” said his date, Sofi Sueiro, who also said getting in touch with breeders was helpful, while calling herself “more of a bug person.”

Yet bugs weren't the only animals without scales.

Others included Felix, a skunk whom Alex Culver, of Pibbles and Company Exotic Animal Advocacy, had been trying to get to walk since he adopted the critter nine months ago. 

At ReptiDay, Culver met Sarasota's John Cox, a retired local deputy who founded RUCK9 (Rescuing Uniquely Created K-9’s), and has provided wheelchairs to dogs, cats and other animals in need.

Cox took Felix's measurements and said he would be able to help Felix regain mobility. Cox said Felix would be his 541st rescue.

Culver said he was surprised by Cox's willingness to help. “This has been amazing to us…” Culver said. “We’re big on animals, and it just doesn’t happen to us.”