New Name, Same Mission

Who is RACR, and where did NCHS go?

Reptile & Amphibian Center of the Rockies

We are RACR.

  • It’s time to shed the old name: We’ve grown!

    This org began in 2015 as a small group of reptile and amphibian enthusiasts who met at the Fort Collins Old Town Library to discuss their love of herptiles and the need for education about their captive care.

    As we blossomed into a fully fledged 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission expanded. In addition to our initial focus, we actively engage in the rescue of displaced captive herptiles. We have committed to broader conservation efforts for these amazing animals in the wild. Recognizing this evolution, the term "society" no longer accurately represents our multifaceted activities.

    The name change reflects our growth and dedication to involving our community in the conservation of reptiles and amphibians in the Rocky Mountain region.

  • We are amplifying our impact for native herptiles in Colorado by pursuing the establishment of a public education facility.

    This space will serve as a rescue center and community hub, providing herptile enthusiasts with a safe space to ask questions, access resources, and actively engage in the captivating world of reptiles and amphibians. Additionally, the new space will serve as an educational destination for schools, providing immersive learning experiences for folks of all ages.

    The increased space capacity will enable us to rescue more animals in need, furthering RACR's efforts to combat the symptoms of an ever-expanding reptile trade industry.

  • This expansion initiative will create hands-on volunteer opportunities, offering involvement with a diverse range of species.

    You may be a vet student seeking more experience.

    You may be considering adopting a reptile or amphibian.

    You may simply have a passion for herptiles.

    However you found us, we warmly welcome you to the incredible world of reptiles and amphibians here at RACR.

Our Story

Origins

What started as a social group rooted in cultivating an appreciation for reptiles and amphibians, blossomed into a full-fledged 501(c)(3) in 2017. In 2020, NCHS became PACFA certified, and opened a foster-based rescue program for displaced pets.

By working with partners in CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, NCHS was able to take in animals in need of significant medical care and diagnostics. In 2024 alone, we proudly rescued nearly 100 animals throughout Colorado, and our average dramatically increases each year.

The Northern Colorado Herpetological Society (NCHS) was founded in 2015 by four passionate reptile enthusiasts who recognized the substantial need for exotic animal education in a rapidly expanding pet trade.

Today

We operate a nonprofit, multipurpose facility governed by a volunteer board of directors.

We offer a variety of programs at our center to meet our community’s needs; these include school programs, guided hikes, community programs, outreach events, and enrichment workshops. Our multi-use facility and qualification to utilize ambassador animals in education events makes us unique from other rescues in Larimer County, and allows us to play a critical role in our community.

With the support of our extraordinary community and devoted volunteers, we are able to donate education events to programs such as the Kids Feeding Kids, Super Cool Kids Club, as well as Colorado State University, the City of Fort Collins, the Lyric, Front Range Community College, and the Aztlan Center. In addition, approximately 50% of our education programs are gladly donated to Title I schools.

Over 150 volunteers have donated their time to be a part of this organization since its founding, and a growing waitlist of 60+ are eagerly anticipating our expansion. This will provide more opportunities for volunteer work, education, community service, and staff positions within the next 1-3 years.