Russ Vegas Reptiles began with Connor in Russellville, Arkansas, and a ball python named Montie. Although Montie has since passed, she remains at the heart of our business as our logo and the inspiration behind the brand.
Connor has been passionate about reptiles since childhood, but Montie helped spark his journey into reptile breeding. What started with one special ball python grew into Russ Vegas Reptiles and a passion for working with a variety of reptile species. Today, we continue to specialize in responsible reptile breeding and care.
But Connor always wanted to do more than keep reptiles—he wanted to share them.
That passion led to Zoo To You, bringing live reptiles, education, and hands-on experiences directly to schools, libraries, birthdays, community events, and organizations throughout Arkansas.
Our goal is simple: to help people of all ages discover just how incredible reptiles can be.
Russ Vegas Reptiles and Zoo-To-You
Zoo-To-You
More Than an Animal Encounter
We believe education creates appreciation, and appreciation creates conservation.
Zoo To You is more than bringing a few reptiles to an event. Our live-animal programs combine hands-on encounters with real education, giving people the opportunity to learn about reptile behavior, adaptations, habitats, conservation, and responsible animal care.
Our animals are ambassadors for their species, and we work with a diverse group of reptiles so each experience can be tailored to the audience and event. If one ambassador isn't available on a particular day, we have others who can step in, because the experience shouldn't depend on just one animal.
Whether we're introducing someone to their first snake, helping ease a lifelong fear, or giving a classroom the chance to experience wildlife up close.
We aim to create a memorable experience that sparks curiosity, builds understanding, and leaves people seeing reptiles a little differently.
Bringing the Zoo-To-You
There's a Zoo To You Experience for Everyone
Schools
Bring the world of reptiles right into the classroom.
Libraries
Turn story time into an unforgettable animal experience.
Birthdays
Make their big day wild, hands-on, and unforgettable.
Community Events
Give your community a chance to get up close and learn.
Festivals
Add live reptiles and hands-on learning to your event.
Organizations
Give your group an experience they won’t find every day.
What to Expect
Before the Event
We work with you to understand your audience, space, event goals, and what kind of experience you're looking for.
During the Program
Our ambassadors and educational presentation create an interactive experience where guests can learn, ask questions, and, when appropriate, meet the animals up close.
After the Experience
Our goal is for guests to leave with more than a photograph. We want them leaving with something they learned, a question they asked, or perhaps a new appreciation for an animal they didn't understand before.
Our Animals Come First
Every Zoo To You program begins with the wellbeing of our animal ambassadors. We carefully consider each animal’s temperament, health, environment, transportation, and comfort when determining if and how they participate.
We also believe responsible animal education means teaching people to interact with wildlife respectfully, not simply providing an opportunity to hold an animal. Because we work with a diverse group of reptile ambassadors, we can rotate animals and bring alternate ambassadors rather than relying on the same animals for every event.
Our animals always have the final say. If an animal shows signs that they are no longer comfortable participating, we remove them from the program for the remainder of the event. Their wellbeing comes before the experience, every time.
Meet Our Ambassadors
Nelson
Hiccup
Sam
Pumpkin
Max
Madi
Midnight
Mathyus
Rattles
What People Are Saying
“We had the BEST experience having Russ Vegas Reptiles and the Zoo to You crew at my son’s birthday party! The entire process was so easy from booking to the actual party. He was professional, arrived right on time, and did an amazing job keeping both the kids AND adults engaged and entertained.
The animals were absolutely awesome, and getting to see and interact with them made the party so memorable for my son and his friends. It was educational, exciting, and definitely something the kids won’t forget!
I highly recommend Russ Vegas Reptiles for a birthday party — they made everything easy for us and provided such a fun, unique experience!”
“Connor brought his reptile crew to my son's 9th birthday. He kept 20 kids engaged, managed to teach them things they didn't already know, showed EXTREME patience, plus had a few that were very skeptical handling snakes like pros. Cannot recommend him enough and can't wait to have him back!”
“I bought a python for my daughter from Connor and couldn't have had a better experience. After going to a couple name brand pet stores I came across Russ Vegas Reptiles. It's clear that he has much more knowledge, care and better prices. If you're considering them for any service, you won't be disappointed. I bought a python for my daughter from Connor and couldn't have had a better experience. After going to a couple name brand pet stores I came across Russ Vegas Reptiles. It's clear that he has much more knowledge, care and better prices. If you're considering them for any service, you won't be disappointed.”
“Russ Vegas Reptiles came to our school for an event. Connor is so knowledgeable and good with kids. He brought a variety of reptiles and the kids absolutely loved it!!”