Alien Arboreal is based in Ottawa, Ontario. We work primarily with crested geckos, alongside a small number of other species and biological projects.
Our approach
Life is incredible. Each animal is a living individual with its own development, behaviour, needs, and place within a larger biological system. We pay attention because their lives matter.
Curiosity strengthens care. We ask questions, watch closely, learn from outcomes, and change our methods when the animals show us something better.
Kinship
Our perspective is shaped by a strong sense of kinship with other living beings. Land and water do not sit outside us. They sustain us, move through us, and tie our lives together.
Humans are animals. We are mammals, built from the same ancient elements as geckos, plants, fungi, and every other living thing on Earth. The atoms in our bodies came from stars. The water within us has moved through this planet and countless forms of life.
That shared material reality carries responsibility. When we care for an animal, we are caring for another expression of life, different from us, never lesser. Good husbandry is respect made practical.
Husbandry through each life stage
Juvenile geckos begin in appropriately sized bins with paper towel substrate. This simple setup lets us monitor eating, waste, growth, and health clearly while keeping their environment secure and easy to maintain.
As they grow, they transition into planted bioactive enclosures. Adults live fully bioactive, surrounded by substrate, plants, microorganisms, climbing structure, and cover that support natural behaviour.
Records help us notice change and make informed decisions. They serve the care of the animal.
Placement
We want each animal to land in a prepared, lasting home. We are happy to discuss enclosure setup, feeding, temperament, bioactive care, and whether a particular animal is genuinely a good fit.