Twenty-four-year-old Woodridge native Ali Baghdadi will be bringing creatures and crawlers to the Chicago suburbs with his animal show The Reptile Den.
The Reptile Den is a traveling reptile show made up of Baghdadi’s personal animal collection, which he houses in his Countryside home.
“My freezer is full of reptile food, with just a little spot for some ice cream for myself,” said Baghdadi.
Baghdadi said the Reptile Den puts on more than 500 shows annually, typically at birthday parties, schools, libraries and on film sets.
On March 29, Reptile Den Day, will take place at the North Riverside Park and Recreation Department from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with one of its largest displays yet.
Baghdadi will show his entire collection of more than 100 animals, including snakes, lizards, bugs and so much more, with presentations at 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. The event will also feature crafts and kid-friendly activities put on by local organizations.
This family-friendly, free event is Baghdadi’s way of giving back to the suburbs of Chicago. He hopes it will become an annual event.
“I’m so happy to be able to be doing it in Chicagoland. I hope that it’s going to be an event that’s synonymous with North Riverside,” said Baghdadi.
Conservation is of major importance to Baghdadi, with most of his animals being rescues.
“About 90% of them are formerly neglected animals that we rehabilitate and turn them into educational ambassadors. They are from all over Illinois,” said Baghdadi. “Reptiles traditionally don’t have a voice. They can’t yelp or whine, like a dog or cat can. So we try to give a voice to the voiceless in a way with these animals.”
As he does this, he hopes he can change people’s perceptions on the animals they may have been afraid of before.
“What I’m trying to do is create memories where people have positive experiences with animals. A lot of the animals that we display, they get the worst rap in history, like snakes and tarantulas. I want to break down those old stereotypes,” he said.
As he creates these memories, he creates relationships across the suburbs.
“There’s been kids that come to every single show, and they ask about the animals. They’re like, ‘How’s Godzilla doing? How is Sunburst?’” he said.
Baghdadi has always loved animals.
“Growing up, I’d catch toads and frogs and things like that. I just always had an interest in the natural world,” he said “When I got my own place, I could get all the animals I ever wanted. So my first exotic pet after moving out of my parents’ home was a 10 foot Python.”
In the future, Baghdadi says he hopes to open a zoo.
