Kellyville Pets, Australia’s largest independent pet store, has launched an online pet education, conservation and exploration platform, featuring what it believes to be the world’s first reptile masterclass series.
The petopia online series includes courses covering bearded dragon’s, pythons and Turtles and the soon-to-be-released Frogs and teaches prospective and existing reptile carers how to look after them in captivity.
Each Masterclass includes more than two hours of cinematic content and is divided into easily digestible chapters focusing on topics such as natural history, anatomy, habitat, general husbandry, diet, and conservation.
Kellyville Pets general manager Richard Sheen, the Reptile Masterclasses fill a demand in the market, recently created by covid-19.
“Reptiles have always been a popular pet as they don’t require a large space to live, they leave no mess, they don’t smell, and make no noise, but over the past year-and-a-half, we have seen a huge increase in the interest surrounding these unique pets.
“Unfortunately, because of the covid-19 pandemic, new reptile keepers couldn’t partake in our in-store reptile courses that we have been operating for the past 25 years. There was also no similar course offered online.”
ANIMAL WELFARE
“As strong advocates of animal welfare and responsible pet care, we wanted to create an educational platform that delivered the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to look after animals, that could be accessible to pet parents not only in Australia but on a global level. So, petopia and our online pet Masterclasses were born,” he said.
The petopia masterclasses are presented by reptile expert and conservationist Ben Dessen, who manages the Reptile Department at Kellyville Pets, having developed and presented the reptile masterclasses for the past 10 years. He is also a resident teacher at the Future Vet Kids Camp, is the sanctuary manager and director of the Zambi Native Wildlife Sanctuary and is a member of Sydney Wildlife Rescue.
Ben has also lived in the jungles of Borneo, establishing an orangutan orphanage and rehabilitation centre and worked with Bob Irwin and Dr Harry Cooper on various wildlife projects and presentations.
“My vision is to encourage the responsible treatment of animals and nurture the conservationists of tomorrow. I believe these Masterclasses help do exactly that and I’m so excited that I can share my knowledge and passion for reptiles with the world,” he said.
The Reptile Masterclass introduction video is at https://youtu.be/qWvJikraW8Y
