ST. GEORGE, Utah — For many people, an encounter with a snake or lizard brings instant hesitation. For Lacey McIntyre, founder of Leaping Lizards Reptile Experience, it opens the door to education, compassion and connection.
What began as a personal passion during her time working at the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve has grown into a mobile reptile rescue and education program. Today, McIntyre cares for around 40 rescued animals at her home, including seven snakes, nine lizards, 14 tortoises and water turtles that roam six backyard ponds.
Rescue comes first
“Almost all of ours right now are rescues,” McIntyre said. “We didn’t really realize how much of a need that was. People get these animals as babies, especially the bigger tortoises, and don’t realize they live 15 to 20 years or require specialized heat and UV lighting. They just don’t know what they’re getting into.”
The animals arrive from many different circumstances. Some are surrendered by owners who cannot afford veterinary care. Others are abandoned in local reserves or found wandering neighborhoods. A few water turtles were rescued after being caught on fishing hooks.
By featuring rescued reptiles in her presentations, McIntyre gives children and adults a close look at resilience and empathy. Her central message is simple: reptiles deserve respect and gentle treatment, even when they make people nervous.
Why these reptiles matter here
Reptiles are part of the Southern Utah landscape, and McIntyre hopes education will keep people from harming them out of reflex, panic or misunderstanding. She also explains the useful role many species play in the local ecosystem.
McIntyre often introduces audiences to a nonvenomous king snake and explains its role as a natural pest controller. A king snake near a backyard can be beneficial because it may prey on venomous snakes.
“A lot of times I’ll visit behavioral centers for teenagers and say, ‘Look, these animals were in bad situations, and with the proper care and love, look at what they can become,’” McIntyre said. “It’s really hopeful and uplifting.”
From wedding receptions to classrooms
Leaping Lizards brings guided animal experiences directly to the community. McIntyre has appeared at backyard birthday parties, school festivals, adult celebrations and even a wedding reception.
Helping someone move past fear is one of McIntyre’s favorite parts of the work. She has watched nervous children, along with parents who initially stayed in another room, slowly build the courage to touch a ball python or feed a tortoise.
More opportunities to meet the animals
Leaping Lizards is expanding its community presence this fall. McIntyre is sponsoring toddler story time events at Confetti Kids on Oct. 7 and Oct. 21, with guest appearances from Bailey, her resident bearded dragon. Leaping Lizards also plans to visit Staheli Farms every Friday in October.
McIntyre is also partnering with Ivins City to launch a local Reptile Club. The club will give young reptile enthusiasts a place to present their own animals, practice public speaking and feel comfortable sharing what they love.
“I think that builds such confidence to be able to stand up in front of people and say something that you’re passionate about,” McIntyre said. “It’s fine to love what you love, even if nobody gets it and even if you’re in a minority.”
“I want people to walk away feeling like these animals are special creatures that deserve care and respect,” McIntyre said. “If we can save a few animals and give kids memories they’ll hold onto forever, it’s all worth it.”
