Phoenix Herpetological Society

What Phoenix Herpetological Society does

Phoenix Herpetological Society (PHS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit reptile sanctuary founded in 2001 in Scottsdale, Arizona, operating a 2.5-acre rescue and rehabilitation facility housing more than 1,500 reptiles, including over 200 venomous snakes across 70+ species and a crocodilian collection representing 22 of the world's 24 species. The organization is staffed by 16 paid employees supported by more than 50 regular volunteers and is governed as an independent charitable entity with no parent company or institutional investment. Its mission, "promote conservation and preservation of native and non-native reptiles through education, rehabilitation, rescue, and relocation," is executed through four operational pillars: on-site visitor experiences, off-site educational programming for schools and corporate clients, animal welfare services for the public, and specialized regulatory offerings such as the largest antivenom bank in the Western United States. PHS also operates an on-site reptile clinic and research center and holds a partnership with Midwestern University for venom studies and species reestablishment research.

PHS delivers a diversified product and service portfolio. On-site offerings include public tours ($20-$25), private tours ($200-$250), a private mammal tour ($350), birthday parties, and premium experiences such as "Curator for a Day" ($300). Educational programming — field trips, Science Nights, Reptile Club (a 6-week in-school program with a $1,350 minimum), off-site demonstrations and event booths (starting at $250/hour), and summer camps — provides recurring K-12 revenue. Animal services include rattlesnake removal ($100/call), pet surrender ($45-$100/animal), lost-reptile pickup ($75), and monthly adoption days. The Antivenom Bank operates as a subscription product for permitted facilities. A digital channel was added via Zoolife-powered 24/7 live cameras covering American Alligators and a Capybara.

PHS generates revenue through a hybrid of earned income (tours, education programs, services, antivenom memberships, merchandise), philanthropic support (tax-deductible donations, virtual adoption, sponsorships at multiple tiers, and an annual Motley Croc bourbon fundraiser), and corporate partnerships. Named sponsors include Odysea Aquarium, Midwestern University, US Private Wealth Management, Beckham Dental, Mist King, Diamond Backs, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Marketing is primarily community- and event-led, supplemented by organic social, TripAdvisor/Yelp reviews, and earned media (NPR, 12News, Cronkite News). Volunteers and Rattlesnake Relocation program participants extend service delivery at low marginal cost. The organization declined to disclose specific revenue figures.

Name

Phoenix Herpetological Society

Legal name

Phoenix Herpetological Society

Website

https://phoenixherp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Phoenix Herpetological Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating the largest reptile sanctuary in the US from a 2.5-acre Scottsdale, Arizona facility, providing rescue, rehabilitation, education, and antivenom banking services to schools, families, corporate clients, and permitted facilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Sanctuary & Conservation Education

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release (BPAGAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release Centers (Public Viewing/Education) (THAAAFAC), Sanctuaries & Long-Term Care (Farm, Equine, Exotic) (BPAGAIAH), Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)

Keywords

• Reptile sanctuary services
• Wildlife rescue rehabilitation
• Conservation education programs
• Antivenom bank services
• Venomous snake handling

Headquarters

HQ city

Scottsdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Tour Admissions: Public tours ($25 adults, $20 children/seniors), private tours ($200-$250 for up to 5 guests), mammal tours ($350), and specialty experiences like Curator for a Day ($300) generate direct admission revenue.
2. Education Programs: Field trips ($10/student, $8/chaperone), Reptile Club (6-week program minimum $1,350), Science Nights ($475 for 2 hours), Booth at Events ($250/hour), and educational demonstrations ($250/hour) provide recurring program revenue.
3. Animal Surrender Services: Reptile surrender fees ($45-$100 per animal depending on species/size), lost reptile pickup fee ($75), and rattlesnake removal service ($100/call) generate service revenue.
4. Adoption & Merchandise Sales: Monthly adoption days for rescued reptiles plus tank and supply sales. Gift certificates available for purchase.
5. Antivenom Bank Membership: Annual membership fees for permitted facilities to access antivenom supply, serving zoos and facilities across Arizona.
6. Donations & Fundraising: Tax-deductible donations (501(c)(3)), virtual adoption program, Motley Croc Bourbon fundraiser, and corporate sponsorships provide philanthropic revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Phoenix Herpetological Society operates the largest reptile sanctuary in the United States, providing rescue, rehabilitation, relocation, and conservation education services for reptiles. The organization runs public and private guided sanctuary tours, K-12 educational programs (field trips, Reptile Club, summer camps, offsite demonstrations), wildlife services including rattlesnake removal and pet reptile surrender, and maintains the largest antivenom bank in the Western United States for permitted facilities.

Product overview

Phoenix Herpetological Society operates the largest reptile sanctuary in the US as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The product portfolio is structured as a unified sanctuary experience with four interconnected pillars: (1) On-site visitor experiences including public/private tours, mammal tours, birthday parties, and Curator for a Day premium experiences; (2) Educational programs including field trips, school demonstrations, Science Nights, Reptile Club, summer camps, and corporate training workshops; (3) Animal services including rattlesnake rescue/removal, pet surrender, lost reptile reunification, and adoption days; (4) Digital engagement via live cameras powered by Zoolife. The organization also maintains the largest antivenom bank in the Western United States and offers volunteer programs for both facility operations and rattlesnake relocation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Public Sanctuary Tours Guided two-hour tours of the sanctuary covering turtles/tortoises, venomous snakes, crocodilians, and non-venomous snakes/lizards with animal interactions. Adults $25, children ages 4-17 $20, seniors $20, children under 4 free. Includes access to the Venom Building and Croc-Walk viewing 22 of 24 crocodilian species.
• Private Sanctuary Tours Personalized small-group experiences with dedicated tour guide and access to exclusive add-on animal interactions (Feed Giant Tortoises $15, Feed Capybara $25, Crocodilian Interaction $15). Fri-Sun $250, Mon-Thurs $200 (up to 5 guests), additional guests $50 each, toddlers free. Duration 2 hours.
• Private Mammal Tour Exclusive one-hour mammal-focused experience featuring capybara interaction with Spud, opossum interaction with Ozzie, a mammal feeding demonstration, and tour of mammal residents including red foxes, coatis, kinkajous, and bat-eared fox. $350 for up to 5 guests; available 12pm-1pm only.
• Birthday Parties Celebration experiences hosted at the sanctuary with reptiles, customizable to group preferences.
• Curator for a Day One-on-one shadowing experience with PHS staff learning hands-on animal care, feeding, and sanctuary operations. $300 for 3 hours (9am-12pm or 10am-1pm); additional 1-hour facility tour $50. Children under 12 must be accompanied by adult.
• Croc Walk Twilight Event Evening summer event featuring crocodilian and venomous snake feedings, a petting zoo with animal ambassadors, and raffles to feed crocodilians and capybara. Check-in 5:30pm, event 6pm-8pm. 2026 dates: July 11, July 25, August 15.
• Motley Croc Bourbon Fundraiser Annual fundraising event supporting sanctuary operations and animal care.
• Adoption Days and Tank Sales Monthly events held 9am-12pm for adopting rescued reptiles and purchasing tanks and supplies. Available animals include African Sulcata Tortoises, Russian Tortoises, Red Eared Sliders, Ball Pythons, Bearded Dragons, Corn Snakes, and Leopard Geckos.
• Gift Certificates Shop offerings for gift certificates to tours and experiences at the sanctuary.
• Field Trips School field trips to the sanctuary with guided tours covering turtles/tortoises, venomous snakes, crocodilians, and non-venomous snakes/lizards. Minimum 20 students + 1 chaperone, maximum 125 students + 5 chaperones. $10 per student, $8 per chaperone; Title 1 discounts available.
• Educational Demonstrations (Offsite) Hands-on offsite demonstrations at schools and events with live reptiles for interaction. Multiple program topics include Desert Wildlife and Safety, Around the World, Venom vs Poison, Food Chains and Food Webs, Animal Adaptations, Reptile Rehab, Reptiles as Pets, Invasive Species, and Endangered Species. Starting at $250 for one hour.
• Science Nights School Science/STEAM Night booth with reptile displays, animal ambassadors for interaction, and educational materials. $475 total for 2 hours, additional hours $150 each; travel fee $50 for >35 miles or $1/mile for >50 miles.
• Reptile Club Six-week school program bringing live reptiles weekly to classrooms. Topics include tortoises, turtles, lizards, snakes, crocodilians, and class favorites. $1,350 minimum ($75/student for 18+ students); $50 travel fee for >35 miles; $75 after-hours fee per hour after 5pm.
• Summer Camp Year-round camps for children with age groups Neonate (5-7), Junior (8-11), and Advanced (12-14). Programs include reptile education, hands-on animal experiences, and conservation learning.
• Booth at Your Event Educational booth with live reptiles for display and interaction at external events. $250 for first hour, $100 each additional hour; $75 after-hours fee after 5pm.
• Rattlesnake Relocation Training Training program for safely relocating native rattlesnakes, teaching proper handling techniques and safety protocols; prerequisite for the Rattlesnake Relocation Volunteer Program.
• Wrangling the Rattlesnake Workshop Corporate training program co-developed with The Riverbend Group using hands-on rattlesnake experiences to build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and team communication skills. Half-day to 3-day programs available.
• Rattlesnake Rescue and Removal Professional rattlesnake removal from properties with safe relocation to appropriate habitats. $100 per call. Hotline: (480) 513-4377, after hours: 602-550-1090.
• Pet Surrender Services Acceptance of surrendered pet reptiles with fees ranging from $45 per animal (small/medium) to $100 per animal (large snakes, tortoises over 25lbs, lizards over 3 feet). Includes pickup service starting at $75 plus mileage.
• Lost and Found Reptile Services Assistance with lost pet reptiles including intake, care during search, and reunification with owners. $75 pickup fee applies after 24 hours from form submission.
• PHS Virtual Adoption Donation program supporting specific animals at the sanctuary with recognition of virtual adopters; enables global remote supporters to symbolically adopt and fund care for reptiles.
• Rattlesnake Relocation Volunteer Program Volunteer program for safely relocating native reptile wildlife. Requires age 18+, valid driver's license, completed PHS Rattlesnake Relocation class within 2 years, and personal equipment.
• Facility Volunteer Program Volunteer program for animal care including feeding, enclosure cleaning, and property maintenance. Requires 4-hour weekly shift for 3-month intro period, then minimum 8 hours/month for tortoises/property or 16 hours/month for level 1+ tasks.
• Antivenom Bank Largest antivenom bank in the Western United States covering over 70 venomous species. Provides antivenom access for subscribed permitted facilities for an annual membership fee; serves as a critical safety resource for zoos, wildlife facilities, and research institutions in Arizona.
• Live Cameras (Zoolife) 24/7 remote viewing of sanctuary animals via Zoolife streaming platform. American Alligator camera streams 24/7; Capybara camera streams 9am-4pm MST. Enables virtual visitors worldwide to watch animals anytime via subscription.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reaches 250,000 people annually through education programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WeCare DenalicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Large-scale composting facility partner that donates 12 rolling food waste bins to PHS and sponsors weekly waste pickups. All organic waste now composted at City of Phoenix Composting Facility.
• Let's Go CompostcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Sustainability partner providing education and workshops on composting solutions. Began working with PHS in January 2024 to find waste solutions for inedible food donations, enclosure bedding, and manure.
• Dove Valley Animal HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeterinary partner providing medical care for rescued reptiles. PHS thanks Dove Valley Animal Hospital for their continued support in caring for sanctuary animals.
• Rattlesnake SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSnake fencing partnership offering free quotes for long-term rattlesnake prevention. PHS refers clients to Rattlesnake Solutions for fencing needs.
• The Riverbend GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate training partner co-developing Wrangling the Rattlesnake experiential leadership programs. Partnership delivers half-day to 3-day team-building programs using rattlesnake handling to build emotional intelligence.
• Midwestern UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity research partner collaborating on venom studies and programs to reestablish declining species populations. Dr. Justin Georgi involved in prosthetic tail research for Mr. Stubbs alligator.
• CORE Institute (Phoenix, AZ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped the first-ever alligator prosthetic tail in 2012 for Mr. Stubbs, the tailless American Alligator rescued by PHS.
• Arizona Humane SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral partner for crisis and financial assistance programs. PHS refers surrendered pet owners to AHS for temporary foster or financial help. AHS helps report animal cruelty.
• Arizona Game & FishcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for native species jurisdiction (Sonoran Desert Tortoises), illegal reptile ownership enforcement, and wildlife confiscations. Hotline: 1-800-352-0700.
• National Wildlife FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational conservation organization partner supporting wildlife preservation efforts.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: One of the world's premier zoological organizations with significant reptile collections, conservation programs, and education outreach. Comparable as a larger nonprofit wildlife institution but broader in species scope than PHS's reptile focus.
• SEA LIFE Aquariums: Global chain of aquariums operated by Merlin Entertainments, many featuring reptile and amphibian exhibits alongside marine life. Comparable as a broad aquarium/zoo operator with reptile programming and ticketed visitor experiences.
• Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: Top-ranked US zoo featuring notable desert and reptile exhibits including the Lied Jungle and Desert Dome. Comparable as a large nonprofit zoo leveraging education and visitor experiences for mission funding, though with broader species coverage.

Regional players

• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Tucson-based nonprofit zoological institution focused on Sonoran Desert flora and fauna including reptiles. Same Arizona market and overlapping mission of native reptile conservation and public education, making it the closest geographic peer.
• Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park: Litchfield Park, AZ zoological park featuring extensive reptile and exotic animal collections. Same Arizona market with overlapping audience of families seeking wildlife experiences; provides scale benchmark for visitor economics.

Direct peers

• Reptile Gardens: Founded in 1937 in Rapid City, SD, Reptile Gardens is one of the world's largest reptile-focused attractions featuring giant tortoises, alligators, and venomous snake exhibits. Direct comparable as a destination reptile zoo/sanctuary offering public tours and education.
• St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park: Historic Florida zoo (founded 1893) specializing in crocodilians with one of the world's most diverse alligator and crocodile collections. Direct comparable as a reptile/crocodilian-focused zoological park offering tours, education, and conservation.
• Australian Reptile Park: Australia's leading reptile-focused sanctuary with a globally recognized antivenom program that milks snakes to produce life-saving antivenom. Highly comparable to PHS as a specialty reptile sanctuary combining public education, venom research, and rescue operations.
• The Rattlesnake Museum: Albuquerque, NM museum featuring the world's largest collection of live rattlesnakes and other reptiles. Smaller-scale direct peer focused on rattlesnake and reptile education in the Southwest.

Others

• Zoo Med Laboratories: Leading manufacturer of reptile care products, foods, and habitats. Not a direct competitor but an adjacent ecosystem participant serving the same reptile-keeping community that drives PHS surrenders, adoptions, and educational demand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/PhoenixHerp
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/PhoenixHerpetologicalSanctuary
• Facebookfacebook.com/phoenixherp/info/?entry_point=page_nav_about_item&tab=page_info
• Instagraminstagram.com/phoenixherp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/phoenix-herpetological-society

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Phoenix Herpetological Society