Richie Laleh and Joseph Migirov have loved geckos since boyhood. What started as private collections in their own apartments grew into the Gecko Gallery — a roughly 400-square-foot space inside the McKibbin Lofts housing some of the rarest reptiles in the world. Richie holds a biology degree; Joseph is actively pursuing one. Both have spent years working hands-on in the field. The goal, in their own words, is to get people thinking about animal conservation beyond tigers, rhinos, and whales — the thousands of smaller species that are just as threatened and almost entirely overlooked.
What your child will see
Roughly 250 individual reptiles across 70 species, including some so recently discovered they remain new to science. Electric blue day geckos from Tanzania, a species clinging to survival in one of the world's smallest remaining habitats. Satanic leaf-tailed geckos from Madagascar that mimic dead leaves down to the bug-bite holes. Jackson's chameleons — three-horned, prehistoric-looking, nicknamed "living triceratops." Chinese crocodile lizards housed in full ecosystems with fish, shrimp, and running water. Each animal has informational plaques covering its ecology and habitat. The founders are typically on hand and genuinely enjoy talking through the science.
A working conservation effort
The founders built the terrariums themselves, assembling materials to replicate tropical forests, bamboo groves, and sheer rock cliffs. The idea is that getting close to these animals — really close — is what turns casual curiosity into genuine care. As a San Antonio Zoo director put it when the gallery opened: when people have a real chance to experience an animal up close, they're more likely to do something positive for it in the world.
Hands-on interaction
Most animals are not handled — their welfare comes first. During guided sessions, some ambassador animals are available to touch. Live insect feeding is part of the routine; the occasional feeder insect in the air is normal. The gallery runs warm and humid — that's intentional.
Blacklight night tours
A separate evening experience that reveals the gallery's nocturnal animals, including several gecko species that glow naturally under ultraviolet light. A genuinely different visit from the daytime experience.
Hours & Location
- ~5-minute walk from the Morgan Ave L train
- Wednesday–Sunday, 12–7 PM; closed Monday and Tuesday
- Entry requires buzzing a dial pad at street level, then a second one downstairs
Cost & Information
- General admission: $20/person
- Children under 4: free
- Tickets available at the door or online; no set time slot — valid any open day
- Private showings can be arranged — contact the gallery directly to inquire