As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor or veterinarian? The President of the United States of America? Perhaps a chef or firefighter? Paul DiDario wanted to work with animals, but not the cute and cuddly kind — he wanted to work with reptiles. Specifically, those of the slithering and scaly variety. When DiDario was five years old, his father caught a rough green snake in the yard to show him. And this curious kid was (not literally) bitten by the reptile bug. From there, his interest and passion grew, with DiDario devouring all the books and information he could find, dreaming of a career where he could work with these captivating creatures.

In 2017, DiDario’s childhood dream became a reality. With the support of his wife, Andreana (an avid avian enthusiast herself), and family (including his father who had ignited his interest in reptiles so long ago), OBX Lizard Land was born. Located along Highway 158 on the way to The Outer Banks, OBX Lizard Land is a refuge for reptiles, amphibians, and avian species. It’s a place to come and learn about some of the world’s most fascinating (and misunderstood) creatures. It’s an immersive experience aimed at demystifying and protecting some of the most vulnerable and endangered species on the planet. It’s an iconoclast that’s sure to stoke a sense of awe and wonder at the wide, wonderful, wild world.

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Most kids don't dream of becoming reptile wranglers when they grow up. But Paul and Andreana DiDario are not most people.
OBX Lizard Land/Facebook
Together, this couple is the driving force of OBX Lizard Land, one of the most unique and incredible places in North Carolina.
OBX Lizard Land/Facebook
Located on Highway 158 heading to The Outer Banks, OBX Lizard Land is a unique animal refuge home to more than 50 different species of reptiles, amphibians, parrots, emus, and insects. The couple also breeds rare species of reptiles here, too.
Andreana DiDario/Google Local
But make no mistake about it; OBX Lizard Land is not your typical "zoo;" the custom-made enclosures and habitats "give each animal the best life possible," explains Paul, "allowing them to express their natural instincts."
What sets this attraction apart is its commitment to conservation and education, two tenets that are at the heart of the Lizard Land experience. Explains Paul, "Lizard Land is unique because we bring people closer to the animals. Every single guest gets the opportunity to touch three animals; sometimes we let [visitors] hold the animals, too."
Courtney Tyler/Google Local
To that end, the attraction offers both general admission as well as private animal encounters, the latter of which provides a truly immersive experience that's eye-opening and wholly unforgettable.
But the welfare and well-being of the animals always come first. Lunch Meat, Lizard Land's smooth-fronted caiman, eschews being handled by most and only allows Paul to get close with him on special occasions.
OBX Lizard Land/Facebook

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In fact, Paul and Andreana know the personalities and preferences of all the creatures at OBX Lizard Land, and truly treat each and every one of them like family.
OBX Lizard Land/Facebook
Because for the DiDarios, OBX Lizard Land is more than a job; it's their life.
OBX Lizard Land/Facebook
"We want to show everyone how amazing these animals are. We want people to love and appreciate them the way we do. We also want to set the best example for animal care," explains Paul, adding that "if people see happy, healthy animals, they will support what we are doing."
We'd say that's a mission accomplished. The animals at OBX Lizard Land are as relaxed and content as can be. These animals have a great life and are truly an inspiration.
OBX Lizard Land/Facebook
Fear and conflict are often the results of misunderstanding. Education really is the way to solving so many problems -- including the indifference and misconceptions people often have regarding our world's reptilian residents.
OBX Lizard Land/Facebook
This mission to educate and inspire is at the heart of OBX Lizard Land, a place sure to stoke a sense of awe and wonder at our wild, wonderful world.
OBX Lizard Land/Facebook

Many thanks to Paul DiDario for sharing the story and mission of this amazing small business in North Carolina. Learn more about OBX Lizard Land at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages, and find this one-of-a-kind attraction at 2815 Caratoke Highway, Currituck, NC, 27929. Of course, OBX Lizard Land is just one of the many small businesses affecting positive change in North Carolina; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In North Carolina article. And be sure to follow Only In North Carolina on Facebook and Instagram to learn about the state’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.

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Featured Addresses
OBX Lizard Land, 2815 Caratoke Hwy, Currituck, NC 27929, USA