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 from Laygate Community School, Boldon Comprehensive and South Shields Museum in photos taken by the Shields Gazette 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. Back to 2004 in Boldon
A Zoolab visit to Boldon Comprehensive in 2004 where students got to hold a pepper snake. Photo: IB
6. Memories from Laygate
A flashback to 2010 and John Kirsopp from Zoolab was pictured at Laygate Community School. Photo: SN
7. A new addition at the museum
The new Californian King Snake is introduced to Lily Graham and her grandfather Gordon Rushworth, by South Shields Museum and Art Gallery assistant Angus McDonald in this photo from 2013. Photo: Tim Richardson
8. Memories from Monkton Infants
Exotic creatures at Monkton Infant School. Does this bring back memories from 2014. Photo: Stu Norton