Emmanuel Van Heygen

Emmanuel, an individual whose life’s work reflects a unique amalgamation of business acumen and a profound passion for reptiles and amphibians, is a living testament to the pursuit of passion. Holding a business and marketing degree from the prestigious European University in Antwerp, Belgium, Emmanuel managed to merge his business background with his enduring love for herpetology.

His fascination with reptiles began in the early 1980s, but it was in 1984 that his passion truly ignited. Upon purchasing his first pair of Day Geckos (Phelsuma cepediana) from Herman Oostveen’s store in Holland, he was irrevocably hooked. His bedroom at his parent’s house swiftly transformed into a sanctuary for these creatures, ultimately housing over 100 terrariums and boasting one of Europe’s premier collections of day geckos.

But Emmanuel’s contributions to herpetology extend beyond mere collection and breeding. Although he has bred over 100 species of reptiles and amphibians, his main specialty lies in geckos and chameleons. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience have propelled him to the forefront of reptile and amphibian care, making him a recognized expert in his field.

In later years, Emmanuel’s passion transcended the confines of his home, leading him to the native habitats of the creatures he so admired. A true pioneer, he ventured as one of the first to explore places like the Comoro Islands, Mayotte, Madagascar, Seychelles, Kenya, Réunion Island, and Mauritius in search of day geckos.

His explorations continued to span various regions, including Uganda, Gabon, Tanzania, Cameroon, and Sri Lanka. Yet, he cherishes the yearly expeditions to Madagascar the most, driven by the untapped mysteries and the region's thrill of discovery. Emmanuel’s numerous reptile expeditions not only enriched his understanding of how reptiles live and thrive in their native environments but also enabled him to contribute significantly to the field.

During these awe-inspiring journeys, Emmanuel discovered four new species of reptiles previously unknown to science. Two of these were named after him in a fitting tribute to his dedication and contributions: the Day Gecko species Phelsuma vanheygeni and the chameleon species Kinyongia vanheygeni.

Emmanuel’s influence doesn’t stop at exploration and discovery. He has also penned numerous articles in various scientific journals reporting his groundbreaking findings and personal experiences. These field studies form the bedrock of his philosophy on reptile keeping, inspiring him in his innovative developments within Exo Terra.