Why we built Herpetological & Wildlife Academy

Our story

Herpetological & Wildlife Academy grew out of Wright's Reptiles, a specialist reptile shop. Over years of keeping, breeding and selling reptiles we've answered thousands of questions from keepers — and seen how often animals suffer from avoidable husbandry mistakes.

These courses turn that experience into structured, practical training anyone can access from home, illustrated with photographs of our own animals.

Your instructor

Our founder set up and runs Wright's Reptiles, and is the lead instructor at Herpetological & Wildlife Academy.

Alongside running a specialist reptile shop and working hands-on with a wide range of species every day, our founder has studied herpetology extensively: the biology, behaviour and ecology that sit behind good husbandry. That knowledge shapes every course, so you learn why a practice matters, not just what to do.

Our founder is also a specialist in keeping venomous snakes licensed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (DWA). Keeping DWA species demands strict protocols, secure housing and careful risk assessment, and the same discipline runs through our teaching on safety, welfare and responsible ownership.

Expert reviewers

Where a course covers veterinary, medical or safety-critical subjects, we have it reviewed by a suitably qualified professional. The reviewer and review date are shown on each course page.

Our commitments

• Welfare first — in what we teach and how we photograph our animals.
• Accuracy — references, version numbers and scheduled reviews for every course.
• Honesty — clear about what certificates mean and what an online course can and can't teach.
• Corrections — if you spot something out of date, tell us and we'll fix it.