A small home-based reptile rescue in Tucson has quietly become southern Arizona’s only licensed facility of its kind, serving customers from coast to coast while developing innovative educational programs that help people overcome their fears of snakes and other reptiles.
Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue & Education has created a STEM-based educational program that incorporates subtle trigger reducers, making it accessible to audiences ranging from preschoolers to seniors. The approach has proven particularly effective for participants with reptile phobias and has shown success working with special needs children and adults, including those on the autism spectrum.
The Tucson-based rescue organization has received high praise from schools across Arizona and various organizations that have hosted their educational presentations. The program’s goal centers on providing every person a positive reptile experience, regardless of their initial comfort level with these often-misunderstood animals.
Beyond education, the rescue faces significant operational demands. Owner and founder Cressi Brown reports that the facility typically takes in more than 30 unwanted and surrendered reptile pets each month. Regular adoption events help these animals find new homes with caring families.
“Running a reptile rescue is a never-ending work of love, but the biggest challenge she finds is that there is no outside funding or grants available for reptile rescues and whatever financial needs are not met at the end of the month through adoption fees, surrender fees, and event fees are ultimately paid from her own savings and retirement,” Brown acknowledged.
The financial strain has prompted the organization to plan its first fundraising event since opening in 2018. Brown expressed excitement about the upcoming event, hoping it will raise both awareness and funds for purchasing a permanent facility. Such a space would allow the rescue to expand its capacity to care for reptiles not just in Arizona, but across the country.
As a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue & Education operates entirely through volunteer efforts. The combination of educational outreach and rescue operations has positioned the organization as a unique resource in a field where specialized facilities remain scarce.
The rescue’s educational programs have garnered particular attention for their inclusive approach. By incorporating techniques to reduce anxiety and fear responses, the presentations have opened doors for participants who might otherwise avoid reptile encounters entirely. This methodology has proven especially valuable when working with organizations specializing in autism support services.
Despite its growing reputation and expanding service area, the rescue continues to operate from a home base while managing an increasing volume of animal surrenders. The lack of dedicated funding sources for reptile rescues presents an ongoing challenge that sets these facilities apart from more traditional animal welfare organizations.
Those interested in supporting the rescue’s mission or learning more about their educational programs can contact Cressi Brown directly at 808-747-6445 or via email at [email protected]. The organization welcomes volunteers and donations as it works toward securing a permanent facility to better serve the reptile population and community education needs throughout the region.
