The Phoenix Herpetological Society
A nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization

Our goal: Conserving wildlife through education

- Reaching Arizona youth through public and private schools

- Teaching co-existence, respect, understanding and responsible ownership

- Preventing injury to humans and reptiles by modeling proper interactions

- Offering education programs to schools, consumer groups and corporations

Our Sanctuary: Healthy habitats for rescued and confiscated reptiles

- Home to more than 400 native and non-native reptiles including: alligators, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, bearded dragons, monitor lizards, gila monsters, iguanas, venomous and non-venomous snakes

- Safe haven for short-term care and long-term housing

- Relocations of native animals "in conflict" with human communities

- Financially supported through donations from the public, foundations, corporations and board members of the Phoenix Herpetological Society

Our Story: How did The Phoenix Herpetological Society become what it is today?

Two people, Daniel Marchand and Debbie Gibson, were living in the north Scottsdale area and  helping their neighbors by removing unwanted reptiles from backyards and businesses. Dan had lived in this area for most of his life and had become quite knowledgeable with native reptiles. The most popular species of reptile removed was the Western Diamondback rattlesnake. These snakes are misunderstood and the most feared creature here in Arizona.  

Russ Johnson had been running snake calls for another organization and is a big time snake hobbyist. His favorite snake is the python and he keeps a beautiful collection of these species. When Russ starts to talk about these guys he lights up and you better have a lot of time on your hands, because you can't get Russ to stop!

Daniel met Russ at a reptile meeting one evening along with some other reptile hobbyists and the conversation started about the number of animals being killed and displaced to lack of education, and the steady increase of construction.  The seed was planted to start an organization that would educate the public on “living with the creatures of the desert”.  This started with conducting educational programs in schools and businesses.  This was not an easy task.  Permits were required for housing certain animals as well as conducting these programs.

Then one day, after one of these educational programs, another conversation started between Russ and Dan regarding illegal and unwanted reptiles.  What happens to them?  Where do they go?  They soon learned that if these animals were not placed in a timely manner it could result in the animal being euthanized.  Russ stated that something needed to be done.  First, Dan had to convince Debbie that he needed to build some enclosures so these animals would have a good quality of life.  Dan was the only one who had space for these enclosures.  This was not a hard sell but Debbie was a little worried about having alligators.  The next step was for Dan and Russ to present a proposal to Arizona Game and Fish.  They thought Debbie was a hard sell, this was really tough.  Once the blue prints of the enclosures were approved by Arizona Game & Fish, the next hurdle was the financing.  With a substantial donation made by Russ and Rosie Johnson and the land provided by Dan, the ground breaking started.

It is a good thing that Dan knows a lot about construction since this was an area that Russ had to rely on Dan’s expertise for.  The enclosure was incredible; it had palm trees, block housing with a temperature control and a big tiled pond that had a filtration system on it to keep the water clean. This enclosure was built, but not without some difficulties, and a couple of trips to the emergency room. The enclosure was 90% complete when the hotline phone rang.  Russ thought it was going to another snake call.  To his surprise it was the Arizona Game & Fish with two alligators that needed a home.  It was hard to describe the energy, the shock and excitement in the air.  This was the moment of truth for the future of PHS. 

Charlie and Lucy arrived via a horse trailer, were quickly given a health check and moved into their new home.  They had been housed in a very small dirt pond in a backyard that was not up to standard, and both reptiles had some skin conditions. Now they are living in a paradise.

Then the PHS was faced with reality of non-native animals in Arizona. People were not only transporting illegal animals into the state but the general public didn’t understand that you can not release unwanted reptiles into the desert.  And, even if they did know differently, where was the public supposed to go?  The Humane Society and Animal Control handle primarily mammals such as dogs and cats.  Animal Control also takes in horses and livestock.  But reptiles?

Russ, Dan and Debbie along with some volunteers decided it was time to become a non-profit organization and start applying for grants and requesting donations.  This is not easy task.  To get to this point takes money.  Everyone started reaching in to their own pockets to make this dream a reality.  The word was out the phone started ringing off the hook with unwanted iguanas, turtles, tortoises and all types of snakes.  PHS had become a fully operational rescue facility with the expenses being covered by the members of this organization.  PHS learned that you can not apply for grants until the non-profit status has been in place for three years.  So, until then, all agreed that they would do was necessary because everyone wanted this dream to come true.

Since the arrival of Charlie and Lucy, PHS has built a fully functional clinic, eight additional alligator enclosures and currently cares for 462 animals. Humane Societies from around the country have contacted PHS to assist in placement of reptiles.  PHS has successfully placed over 100 reptiles in zoos, sanctuaries and educational facilities across the country.  Debbie has designed a program for elementary schools that teaches rattlesnake safety, proper care for reptiles and the importance of conservation.  PHS has met the three year mark and is now researching and applying for grants. 

This organization has become the Crocodile Hunters of Arizona!!  

Our Grantors:

- Diamondbacks

- Nina Mason Pullam Charitable Trust

- Petsmart Charities