Rik Van Tiggel

Rik Van Tiggel, a name synonymous with expertise and passion in the world of herpetology, has joined the Exo Terra team, bringing with him an illustrious career that is both rich in experience and fueled by an unending curiosity for reptiles. With over 11 years of service as the European Sales Manager and Customer Relations at Zoo Med Europe, Rik’s reputation precedes him. Yet, his journey began much earlier, stemming from a childhood fascination that grew into a lifelong pursuit.

The seeds of Rik’s passion for reptiles were sown when he encountered a picture of a three-horned chameleon that his father had kept during his stationing in the Congo in 1960. This early spark was nurtured by family influences, particularly his favourite uncle, who took up reptile keeping in the 70s.

By the age of 12, Rik was a proud owner of his first pair of reptiles: 2 Gerrhosaurus flavigularis. Yet, his intrigue with chameleons remained paramount. An encounter with live-bearing Hoehnell’s chameleons at a reptile store in Antwerp called Fantasia led him to purchase them, and the world of keeping and breeding chameleons became a transformative influence on his life.

Rik’s fascination with chameleons extended beyond their captivating appearance. Recognizing the limited knowledge available about the creatures’ habitats, ecological adaptations, and special needs, he embarked on a mission to visit countries where chameleons thrive. His goal was to gather firsthand information to improve their keeping and breeding.

At 18, he embarked on his first quest to Tunisia, in search of Chamaeleo chamaeleon. What followed were numerous research expeditions across various African countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Gambia, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Through these journeys, Rik immersed himself in the study of chameleons, furthering the understanding of these magnificent creatures.

The late 80s saw Rik founding the Belgian Chameleon Working Group, a platform dedicated to information sharing among chameleon enthusiasts. His influence in herpetological circles further grew as he became a board member of the Belgian Herpetological Society. Simultaneously, Rik’s professional journey led him to manage a reptile store, Orchideeënhuis, before founding a wholesale business dealing in reptiles, amphibians, and associated goods.

Rik’s joining Exo Terra marks a harmonious convergence of his commercial acumen and love for reptiles. His extensive knowledge in both products and reptile care positions him to contribute substantially to product development and sales support within the organization. In Rik Van Tiggel, Exo Terra has gained a seasoned professional and a visionary and enthusiastic advocate for the world of reptiles. His decades-long journey, marked by exploration, study, innovation, and entrepreneurship, makes him an invaluable asset to the team, embodying the very spirit that Exo Terra cherishes.