Our
Story
Get To Know Olivia: Wildlife Presenter, Animal Trainer & Educator | 15 Years & Counting
Hi there!
My name is Olivia, and I am the owner and operator of Love Me Like A Reptile. I started this business ten years ago out of a desire to share my enthusiasm for wildlife with young people, while being able to have direct control of the welfare of the animals I like to think of as my co-workers.
Where It Started
I have loved animals for as long as anyone can remember. Like most little girls, I was of course drawn to horses at a young age and began riding at the age of 8.
The habit stuck and eventually I became a horse-riding instructor for children aged between 6-18.
This was my first introduction to working with children and I quickly came to notice that the way we taught young people to treat animals affected the way they treat others in their lives.
I loved the way that natural horsemanship could build a young person's emotional intelligence, compassion for other beings as well as their own independence and self-assuredness.
Love Me Like A Reptile begins...
I came to a point in my life where I needed to start a new chapter, and it was top priority to ensure that the animals that joined me on my next journey were protected and celebrated.
I had been keeping reptiles privately for some time and decided my twenties was the perfect time for a hair-brained scheme such as opening your own wildlife demonstration company! Thankfully, the plan worked.
Core Values of Love Me Like A Reptile
I have never been afraid to be slightly unconventional in my approach to wildlife education.
I have always firmly stayed away from stereotypes of khaki and animated delivery of content, and instead wanted to create an environment for children to feel safe and included.
Our presentations aim to model to young people how to act with consideration to the needs and comfortability of the non-human species we engage with.
As reptiles in particular attract many neurodivergent individuals, I have also always felt that creating a calm learning environment for these kinds of presentations is important for everyone involved.
Every show is a learning opportunity, not just in species names and animal adaptations, but a learning moment in compassion, self-belief and a boost in confidence when a person engages with an animal they initially think they would be too scared to get close to.
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Love Me Like A Reptile Today...
Throughout my ten years of doing shows, we have had the opportunity to work in all kinds of events and meet people from all walks of life.
I am one of the rare people that enjoys public speaking, and still love sharing my love of wildlife with others.
As of 2026, I have decided to divide my time between wildlife presentations and Northside Dog Training.
I have had the opportunity to train with world renowned canine behaviourists and have enjoyed being able to spread my same ethos towards animals and their welfare in another aspect of my life.