Jesse De Luca

Jesse De Luca has always been captivated by the world of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, and insects. From a young age, he nurtured red-eared sliders and was constantly on the lookout for wild creatures of these kinds.

Despite his persistent pleas to his parents for a pet scorpion or tarantula, they always turned him down. However, fate had other plans. At 18, a close friend gifted him a stowaway baby anole, unknowingly igniting Jesse’s passion for lizards. This single act led to an ever-expanding collection of these fascinating creatures.

Jesse’s enthusiasm for herpetology led him to join the Montreal Herpetological Association, where he connected with like-minded individuals. One such connection introduced him to the world of educational presentations using live reptiles. Before long, Jesse became an integral part of Reptizoo (previously known as Fine Line Serpents). As their primary caretaker, he was responsible for a vast collection of over 200 reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. But his role didn’t stop there. Jesse took the lead in conducting educational sessions across schools, daycares, corporate events, fairs, and birthday parties throughout the greater Montreal area, sharing his knowledge and passion.

Jesse has been associated with Rolf C. Hagen Inc. for over a decade, serving as Canada’s go-to reptile expert. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Exo Terra brand in the country. While he no longer keeps pet reptiles, Jesse’s fascination hasn’t waned. He now boasts a collection of poison dart frog species, including Dendrobates, Oophaga pumilio, and Phyllobates. Interestingly, he also cares for a 15-year-old captive-born emperor scorpion, with a unique aim to discover its maximum lifespan in captivity.

Beyond his professional commitments, Jesse is a dedicated naturalist and outdoorsman. He often ventures into the wild, camera in hand, capturing the beauty of nature through his lens. While his journey began with a simple request for a pet, it has since evolved into a lifelong commitment to understanding, preserving, and sharing the wonders of the reptilian and amphibian world.