Animal Planet premieres the new Calgary-filmed show, SCALED

Each episode showcases intricate custom-made reptile terrariums, with an emphasis on the animals calling these enclosures home. Calgary's own Greg West, owner of Cornel's World Terrariums, is the show's lead and is responsible for building the exteriors of the enclosures.

West says he was surprised by how quickly the show gained attention after its U.S. premiere in late August. "There was definitely a lot of hard work involved and a lot of late nights, but we're really happy so far with the end result, and getting mentions all over North America and social media."

The builds range from a 16-foot Mayan temple for dart frogs to whisky barrels fitted for different snake species and named after prohibition-era mobsters.

While Scaled highlights incredible enclosures, the show puts a major emphasis on reptile care and educating viewers, something West and his family are dedicated to. "I would like to think the education is very important. There has never really been a reptile show on the air before," he says.

Designing for animal welfare

Making sure the builds are habitable falls to Lucas Neter, owner of Jungle Jewel Exotics in Calgary. He stresses how important it is that the designs suit the animals: "There's a lot of pressure. The animal doesn't care if it's a Mayan temple or wine barrels or anything like that."

One of the show's stars is Kevin, a rescue bearded dragon known for wearing tiny hats and outfits throughout the episodes. The show also features monkey-tailed skinks, uromastyx, tegus, tortoises, and many species of snakes.

How the show came to be

The production started after a U.S. company discovered Cornel's World Terrariums. Drawing comparisons to Animal Planet's earlier series Tanked, producers saw the potential for a reptile-focused equivalent.

Production ran for just over four months, with many 16-hour days and tight turnarounds to finish each elaborate build on time.

Calgary's reptile scene

Both West and Neter are major parts of Calgary's reptile community. West has been building terrariums full-time for years: "The business has really grown over the years and it's crazy to get this opportunity to air in people's homes all across North America."

Neter joined the reptile hobby after moving to Calgary in 2012. "In relative terms of things, I'm actually the newbie coming to this," he admits.

Education at the heart of the show

The cast focuses heavily on husbandry: heat, humidity, UVB lighting, enclosure sizing, enrichment, and long-term commitment.

Tortoises, for example, can live over 60 years: "You could be handing them down to your grandchildren."

If viewers are inspired, Calgary's reptile expos, including those run by Cornel's World, offer hands-on learning.

For the story from our side, read the wild ride behind Scaled.