The international day of celebration, on October 21, is designed to educate people about these amazing creatures and to highlight the ecological threats they face.
But it also gives us a chance to look at reptile scenes closer to home. We have snakes, lizards and more in Millfield Nursery, Barnes Junior School, Lambton Park and Dubmire Nursery School in photos taken by the Sunderland Echo over the years.
On the scale of things, it’s a retro feature with a difference so why not join us as we slither back in time.
5. A big day at Dubmire Nursery
Shay Snaith (left) and Hannah Foster of Dubmire Nursery School with a Chinese Water Dragon in 2008. Photo: KB
6. A close-up in 1997
Sankes Alive was the opening event in the Animal Magic Exhibition at Sunderland Museum and Art Gallery in 1997. Pictured with a python is Gemma Forrest of Ford Estate and handler Katherine Roberts, of Wallsend Reptile Society. Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Saying hello in 2007
Christian Brown and his grandmother Jean Brown met a snake during a rainforest exhibition at Sunderland Museum 14 years ago. Museums keeper of biology Dan Gordon was there to give a helping hand. Photo: TC
8. Meeting George the boa in 2005
Simon Jarvis from the Proteus Reptile Trust brought boa constrictor George along in 2005 when he gave advice on reptile care at Hylton Riverside Retail Park. Photo: JM