Zoo Med Laboratories

Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc. is a manufacturer of pet products specializing in reptile, aquarium and bird products. The company was founded by Gary Bagnall in 1977 and is based in San Luis Obispo, California.
== History ==
At age 19, Gary Bagnall started a live reptile import/export business called "In Cold Blood" out of a one car garage in Costa Mesa, California. In 1978, Gary partnered with Elaphe snake breeder, Lloyd Lemke and the name changed to Orange County Zoological. In 1979, Gary and Lloyd parted ways, and the name changed again to California Zoological Supply.
Between 1979 and 1981, California Zoological Supply was the first to import Uromastyx aegyptius, Pacific Island boas, and albino Columbian red-tailed boas into the United States.
In 1984, while running California Zoological Supply (i.e. Cal Zoo), Gary procured the first vitamin supplement designed specifically for reptiles under the trademark name "ReptiVite". With this product, Gary split the business into two, keeping Cal Zoo for importing live reptiles, and naming the dry goods portion of the business Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc. (i.e. Zoo Med).
In 1993, Zoo Med invented the first UVB fluorescent lamp for reptile care. Due to its ability to help reptiles synthesize Vitamin D₃, which was previously not possible without direct access to sunlight, this lamp is written up in herpetology books as essential for keeping old world chameleons and many other species of reptiles in captivity.
Today Zoo Med's products have expanded to include foods and supplies for reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, birds, and small mammals.
== Partnerships ==
=== Conservation ===
Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc. partners with conservation groups such as the Turtle Survival Alliance, the Tortoise Preservation Group, and the International Iguana Foundation to protect endangered reptiles and their habitats. The Turtle Survival Alliance and the Tortoise Preservation Group host annual conferences sponsored by Zoo Med that discuss strategies for conservation of the world's threatened and endangered turtles and tortoises.
=== Education ===
Zoo Med also partners with aquarium and reptile societies and clubs, and the Pets in the Classroom grant program to provide children and teachers with supplies they need to get their first pet.
=== USARK ===
Gary Bagnall is chairman of the board for 501(c)(6) nonprofit United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK). USARK is an advocacy group for responsible herpetoculture.
== Booklets Published By Zoo Med ==
Title 	Author 	Year Published	ISBN
Zoo Med's Beginner's Guide to Amphibians 	Rademacher, Ashley 	2016 	978-615-43630-2
Zoo Med's Beginner's Guide to Snakes 	Quinn, Andrew 	2014 	978-0-9652471-3-9
Zoo Med's Beginner's Guide to Crested Geckos	Russell, Eric 	2014 	978-0-9652471-8-4
Zoo Med's Guide to Bettas 	Rademacher, Ashley 	2010 	978-0-578-05913-6
Zoo Med's Guide to Tortoises 	Rademacher, Ashley 	2012 	978-0-9652471-6-0
Zoo Med's Guide to Box Turtles 	Wilkins, Heather Leigh	2015 	978-0-9652471-6-3
Zoo Med's Guide to Leopard Geckos 	Morgan, Jim 	2014 	978-0-9652471-7-7
Zoo Med's Guide to Bearded Dragons 	Klavir, Josh 	2014 	978-0-9652471-9-1
Zoo Med's Guide to Reptile Care 	Bagnall, Gary 	2011 	978-0-9652471-1-5
Building a Paludarium 	Elston, Andrew 	2018 	978-0-692-13462-7
Proper Care and Maintenance of Water Turtles	de Vosjoli, Philippe 	2017 	
Proper Care and Maintenance of Hermit Crabs 	Klavir, Josh 	2014 	
== References ==
== External Links ==
*Zoo Med Laboratories official website
*Zoo Med Laboratories on Facebook 
*Zoo Med Laboratories on Twitter
*Zoo Med Laboratories on Instagram 
*Zoo Med Laboratories on Pinterest
*Zoo Med Laboratories on Youtube
Category:Pet equipment
Category:Pet food brands
Category:Pet foods
Category:Companies established in 1977
Category:American companies established in 1977
Category:Companies based in San Luis Obispo County, California