Our Passion

Our Passion for Herpetology

At Optimal Exotics, we are dedicated to educating herpetology enthusiasts about the diverse world of exotic reptiles and amphibians through conservation efforts, educational content, animal photography, and marketing initiatives. Our comprehensive care guides and engaging video content serve as reliable resources for hobbyists and prospective pet owners. Founded on a commitment to provide accurate information, we strive to be the trusted ally in your exotic pet journey.

Our Mission

Our mission is to enhance knowledge and awareness about exotic reptiles and amphibians through conservation efforts, educational content, animal photography, and marketing initiatives. We aim to provide accurate, accessible, and engaging resources for animal care. Through education and advocacy, we hope to inspire responsible ownership. We believe that informed pet owners can foster healthier lives for their animals. Join us in promoting wildlife education and conservation.

Our Core Values

Prioritizing Accuracy and Honesty

Promoting optimal pet sourcing through rescues and humane societies

Providing the best in animal photography services

Our Unique Approach

We focus on providing clear, actionable insights for our users. Our approach revolves around education, community, and support.

Educational Content

We create detailed guides and informative videos that break down complex topics. Our goal is to make learning about exotic pets easy and enjoyable.

Community Support

We promote engagement and cooperation between our organization and other community organizations, as well as with federal, state, and local government agencies.

Resource Directories

We provide unbiased directories of animal care facilities such as rescues, shelters, humane societies, and select pet stores (post inspection)

About The Service Provider

Hello, my name is Marcus Glade and I would like to welcome you to Optimal Exotics. I have over 20 years of experience in caring for reptiles and amphibians—both professionally and personally. Through my experiences with herpetological species I’ve developed a deep understanding of their behavioral responses to various husbandry practices. Currently, I serve on the board at the Reptile and Amphibian Center of the Rockies (RACR), where I volunteered for more than a year before joining. In 2023, I earned certification as a Master Herpetologist and Husbandry Specialist from the Amphibian Foundation after rigorous study.

My educational experience at Colorado State University concentrated on Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, along with additional coursework in marketing. Before my time at Colorado State University, I worked for about two years as a portrait photographer at a private sector photography company. In 2017, I departed from the photography business where I was employed to begin focusing on capturing nature, wildlife, and pet photography—an endeavor I continue to pursue today. Currently, I am enrolled at Unity Environmental University to earn my Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Behavior while also striving to support my family with my work.

Today, I leverage my expertise in content creation, marketing, photography, and visual story telling, to help animal welfare and conservation organizations optimize their resources effectively. I balance multiple careers while parenting my 2 year old son with my wife of over 11 years. My family motivates me to work hard. However, my lifelong passion for animals also motivates me to assist them whenever possible. If you need help with husbandry or are interested in a photoshoot, please reach out here for a free quote. Thank you for visiting Optimal Exotics!

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