Orange County Reptile Expo Outreach

Please join Orange County Animal Liberation, Rescue Not Retail, Los Angeles Animal Defense League, Animal Alliance Network, In Defense of Animals, and local advocates for a peaceful outreach action outside the Pet and Reptile Expo at Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. This is not just a protest — we’re taking urgent action to engage the public, raise awareness about the harms of the exotic animal trade, and help attendees make compassionate choices. Animals sold as pets at reptile expos suffer in filthy, cramped conditions and are treated as products rather than living beings. These events often operate without meaningful federal animal welfare protections, contributing to widespread animal suffering and fueling wildlife trafficking. We’ll be talking with visitors, distributing flyers, sharing rescue resources, and offering kid-friendly activity books and stickers — all to encourage adoption from overwhelmed rescues instead of buying animals at expos. Here are the details: What: Orange County Reptile Expo Outreach When: Saturday, 2-4pm on April 11, 2026 Where: OC Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Gate #4, Costa Mesa 92626 Fairgrounds parking is $15. See “discussion” for free parking options. Carpools encouraged. Meet at: Reptile Expo, Building 3 Contact: Justine Justine@rescuenotretail-us.org All materials (such as posters and leaflets) will be provided. Please bring a satchel or bag to carry materials for distribution. Bring water. Please refrain from bringing dogs as there may not be shade or a safe place for them to lie down during the outreach.