National Reptile Zoo brings Science Week to Life for over 2,000 People across 10 Counties
The National Reptile Zoo is celebrating Science Week 2026 with a packed programme of educational activities, including 14 educational sessions taking place across 10 counties, from Meath and Wicklow to Waterford and Monaghan, alongside interactive talks at the zoo in Kilkenny. These hands-on sessions led by experienced zookeepers, will give participants the opportunity to meet, touch and interact with some incredible reptiles and amphibians while learning about the science behind their survival.
Taking inspiration from this year's Science Week theme, Water: From Molecule to Ocean, Ireland's first and only reptile zoo will explore the relationship between reptiles, amphibians and water, revealing how these creatures use water to survive, adapt and thrive in their natural habitats.
The programme will also highlight the importance of water conservation and how the zoo puts sustainable practices into action on its own premises, from harvesting rainwater to recycling and reusing water across its animal habitats.
Highlights from the zoo’s Science Week programme include:
9 November | Zoo-To-You, Co. Wicklow: Students at Coláiste Chill Mhantáin in Co. Wicklow will get up close to snakes, lizards and turtles during a series of interactive ‘Reptile Diaries’ themed workshops exploring reptile behaviour, ecology and conservation.
10 November | Zoo-To-You, Co. Wicklow: Students at Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew, Co. Wicklow will discover how cold-blooded animals have evolved and adapted to survive in different habitats through the ‘Here Be Dragons’ themed workshop.
12-14 November | Interactive Talks, Co. Kilkenny: Members of the Irish Wheelchair Association and National Learning Network will visit the zoo in Kilkenny to meet crocodiles, alligators and snapping turtles, learning how these remarkable reptiles have adapted to life in and around water.
14 November | Monaghan Science Fair, Co. Monaghan: As Science Week draws to a close, the National Reptile Zoo will bring a selection of its animals to the Monaghan Science Fair, giving members of the public the opportunity to meet them up close.
Throughout Science Week, the National Reptile Zoo will explore how reptiles have adapted to some of the world's most diverse environments, from alligator snapping turtles that can hold their breath underwater for up to 50 minutes while hunting, to leopard tortoises that store water in their bodies to survive the dry conditions of Africa's savannas and grasslands.
James Hennessy, Founder and Director of the National Reptile Zoo, said:“Science Week is a fantastic opportunity to spark curiosity and explore the incredible science behind the natural world. People don’t often associate reptiles with water, but it plays a vital role in their survival. Through our Zoo-To-You programme and activities here at the zoo, we’re excited to bring these fascinating stories to life, inspire a greater appreciation for these often misunderstood animals and highlight the importance of protecting their habitats.”
Water conservation initiatives at the zoo
As well as educating the public about the importance of water in the animal kingdom, the National Reptile Zoo is also highlighting its own efforts to conserve this precious natural resource. From maintaining suitable humidity levels and aquatic habitats to providing clean drinking water, water is essential to the daily care and welfare of animals.
To help reduce its environmental impact, the zoo has introduced a number of water conservation initiatives, including:
Rainwater harvesting: In 2025 alone, the zoo collected over 300,000 litres of rainwater, which is used to replenish habitat ponds throughout the zoo.
Reusing moisture from the air: Dehumidifiers capture excess moisture from the air in certain areas of the zoo, which is then reused in misting systems to maintain humidity levels in tropical habitats.
Recycling drinking water: Water from the animals' drinking bowls is repurposed to water plants within their habitats, helping to minimise waste.
Through its nationwide Zoo-To-You programme, the National Reptile Zoo brings experienced zookeepers and a selection of animals, from snakes to tortoises, directly to schools, colleges, workplaces and events across Ireland, including Northern Ireland. These interactive sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn about reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, while challenging common misconceptions and inspiring curiosity about the natural world.
To find out more about the National Reptile Zoo or its educational programmes, visit www.nrz.ie.
Slán go fóill.
