Where Science Meets Adventure…and every roar, hiss, and giggle has a purpose.
At Dino Buddies, we don’t just show up—we show out. For the past five years, we’ve transformed ordinary events into extraordinary experiences by blending the excitement of live reptiles with the wonder of lifelike dinosaurs. Whether you're five or fifty, there’s something unforgettable waiting for you.
Born from a lifelong passion for animals, education, and creativity, Dino Buddies was built to spark curiosity, inspire compassion, and make science wildly fun. Every program is rooted in real knowledge, brought to life with energy, humor, and hands-on discovery.
🚐 What We Do (and Why Kids Go Nuts for It)
We’re a mobile team that brings the wild right to you—wherever you are. From backyards and classrooms to festivals and camps, our events are fully customizable, kid-approved, and always interactive.
🦖 Dinosaur Adventures
Realistic dinosaurs, epic storytelling, fossil digs, dino dances, and jaw-dropping photo ops. Our dinos move, roar, and turn your party into a full-blown Jurassic experience.
🎉 Perfect For:
Birthday Parties | Summer Camps | Schools | Libraries | Scout Troops | Festivals | Special Events
🐢 Reptile Encounters
Meet the real stars: snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs. Guests hold, touch, and learn about these misunderstood creatures while laughing, asking questions, and getting up close with the scaly squad.
🎉 Perfect For:
Birthday Parties | Summer Camps | Schools | Libraries | Scout Troops | Festivals | Special Events
💡 Bonus: Combo packages and fun add-ons like balloon twisting, goody bags, T-shirts, face painting, and more!
Pricing starts at (1 hour programs):
Dino Encounter – $375
Reptile Encounter – $300
Combo Program – $475
Rates vary based on location and group size. Visit our booking page for more details.
🌿 Now Offering
Public Programs at Gorman Heritage Farm!
For the first time ever, we’re bringing our adventures to the public with special low-cost programs open to families across the Cincinnati area.
🧪 Wildlife Learning Lab – $12/person
Crafts, games, nature walks, and animal encounters that connect kids to their wild side.
🐍 Responsible Pet Ownership – $15/person
Hands-on workshops that teach kids (and adults) what it really means to care for reptiles like geckos, snakes, and bearded dragons.
These sessions are designed for all ages—but trust us, parents have just as much fun.
💡 Did You Know?
Dino Buddies is proudly 100% women-owned and led, with an all-women leadership team behind every program we offer.
In fields like wildlife education and animal science, leadership doesn’t always reflect the diversity of those passionate about the work. That’s why founder Tiffany Johnson, a zoologist with over 15 years of experience, started Dino Buddies—to create a space where science, representation, and education come together in meaningful ways.
Our mission is simple: to make learning wild, inclusive, and unforgettable. From classrooms to community events, we’re proud to inspire curiosity and confidence through hands-on encounters—led by a team of women who care deeply about animals, conservation, and the people we serve.
🐍💪🦖 Black-owned. Women-led. Science-fueled. Always wild.
Keep Scrolling to Meet the Team!
🐍 Meet the Heart Behind the Roar
Tiffany Johnson, CEO and Founder
Hi! I’m Tiffany Johnson, the founder of Dino Buddies—and yes, I was that kid catching frogs in the backyard, reading animal encyclopedias for fun, and volunteering at farms before I even hit my teen years.
I earned my degree in Zoology from the University of Cincinnati and spent time as a zookeeper at the Cincinnati Zoo. I’ve cared for everything from red pandas to Komodo dragons—but it was the sparkle in a kid’s eyes when they met a snake for the first time that showed me where I truly belonged.
In 2020, I launched Dino Buddies with one goal:
To create joyful, hands-on animal experiences that kids will never forget—and parents will actually love, too.
Every animal in our collection has been hand-raised or lovingly rescued, and every event we do is infused with heart, science, and a touch of prehistoric magic.
Tiffany FAQ’s
Q: Why reptiles?
A: I could give you a long scientific answer but the truth is, I just think they’re really super duper cool!
Q: How did you get started in this?
A:I’ve always loved animals. In third grade, my teacher, Mrs. Quill, had animals in her classroom, and I would skip recess to help care for them. Not long after, my dad let me start riding horses, and that passion carried into college, where I studied horses. While in school, a friend of mine who owned a snake named Morris (now 26 years old!) asked if I wanted him. I said yes—and the rest is history.
Q: Have you ever worked with dangerous animals?
A: Absolutely! I've had the privilege of working with alligators, venomous snakes, crocodiles, Komodo dragons, and large pythons. Surprisingly, though, the most dangerous animals I’ve ever worked with are horses and cows.
Q: What’s one animal I hope to work with in the future?
A: My favorite animal and the largest reptile in the world…the saltwater crocodile!
Q: What’s one thing I want people to get out of a Dino Buddies encounter?
A: My goal is for our guests to leave feeling like they’ve learned something new. I want kids to walk away feeling empowered, knowing the world is theirs to explore if they’re willing to be creative and work hard. Most importantly, I want everyone to see how incredible these animals are and to understand that they deserve love, respect, and kindness—no matter how intimidating they might seem.
🦎 Meet Kassandra Whittington
Director of Education & Research
Kassandra Whittington brings science and adventure together at Dino Buddies! She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Northern Kentucky University and plays a key role in developing engaging, hands-on programs for learners of all ages.
Kassandra leads herpetological surveys at Gorman Heritage Farm, where she monitors ponds, flips tin, and searches for Ohio’s native reptiles and amphibians. She also serves as an Animal Ambassador Keeper at the Cincinnati Zoo, expanding her passion for wildlife education even further.
Whether she's designing a new program, finding a salamander in the field, or teaching kids why reptiles deserve our protection, Kassandra’s mission is clear: spark curiosity, share knowledge, and inspire a love for the wild.
🐍 Fun Facts About Kassandra:
🐟 What animal would you love to work with one day?
"I would love to work with a shark species someday! They were a huge focus for me in college, and I never ended up working with them."
🦎 If you could have any animal superpower, what would it be?
"I would love the ability to camouflage at any given moment!"
🍬 Favorite snack to sneak in the van between programs?
"Snow Caps!"
🎶 What’s your go-to hype song before an event?
"On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons
🌎 What do you hope kids take away from our programs?
"I hope kids learn that reptiles are vital to our ecosystems—and that they deserve our protection at all costs!"
🐢 Meet Stephanie Heidorn
Director of Animal Excellence
Stephanie Heidorn brings heart, science, and a passion for animal welfare to everything she does at Dino Buddies. As our Director of Animal Excellence, she ensures all of our animal ambassadors live the healthiest, happiest lives possible.
Stephanie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from The Ohio State University and her Master’s degree in Biology from Miami University. With a career spanning research labs, educational programs, and even a stint as a dog-walker, she’s spent her life working alongside animals in every capacity imaginable.
At Dino Buddies, Stephanie’s mission is simple but powerful: care deeply, teach boldly, and help every guest feel connected to the natural world.
🦎 Fun Facts About Stephanie:
🦎 If you were a reptile, what would you be?
"I’d be a marine iguana. I love swimming, but I also love sitting in the sun to warm back up!"
🌟 Favorite Dino Buddies moment?
"Watching someone overcome a life-long fear through learning about our animals. It's incredible to see."
🐙 Dream animal to work with one day?
"I would love to work with an octopus. Incredible intelligence comes in all forms!"
🐍 Favorite Dino Buddies animal?
"Our California Kingsnake, Dino! He's still got some of his fiery baby snake energy, but he’s taught me so much about behavior and handling."
🦅 If you could have any animal superpower, what would it be?
"The speed of a peregrine falcon—flight is already amazing, but going fast with the wind in my face would be the best!"
💚 What do you hope kids take away from our programs?
"I hope kids leave feeling empowered. Touching an animal you never thought you would is a powerful experience. It builds confidence and teaches empathy—showing them they have the ability to protect and care for other living beings."
