What Makes us different?
Dino Buddies stands out because we go beyond ordinary entertainment, creating immersive, hands-on adventures that blend education, excitement, and authenticity. Here’s what makes us different:
🦖 Interactive Experiences: We don’t just entertain; we engage! Guests interact with lifelike dinosaur puppets, handle real fossils, and meet live reptiles up close, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
🎓 Educational Focus: Our programs are designed to teach while entertaining. Led by experienced animal experts and performative educators, every encounter is packed with fascinating facts and stories.
✨ Customization: We tailor each experience to fit your event, ensuring it’s as unique as your guests. From add-ons like fossil digs to personalized activities, we make every moment special.
🌟 Memorable and Unique: Dino Buddies combines the magic of dinosaurs with the wonder of live animals, creating unforgettable memories for events of all kinds.
When you choose Dino Buddies, you’re choosing a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves guests amazed, inspired, and eager to learn more!
Meet our Founder
Tiffany Johnson
I’m Tiffany Johnson, the founder of Dino Buddies, and I’ve been passionate about animals for as long as I can remember. My journey began at the age of 12, volunteering at local farms, and has grown into a career spanning over 15 years of dedication to animal care and education.
After starting my collegiate studies with a focus on horses at Ohio State University, I discovered my true calling in zoology and earned my Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Cincinnati. I then spent several years as a zookeeper at the Cincinnati Zoo, where I had the privilege of working with an incredible variety of animals, including kangaroos, red pandas, crocodiles, Komodo dragons, snakes, and farm animals.
In 2020, I channeled my experience and love for animals into creating Dino Buddies, an interactive and educational program that brings the wonder of live reptiles, lifelike dinosaur puppets, and fossil digs to life for kids and families. On May 28, 2025, we’ll proudly celebrate five years of inspiring curiosity and joy through unforgettable encounters.
Our animal collection is a heartfelt combination of rescues and animals I’ve raised since they were babies, all cared for with the utmost love and respect. I’m hands-on at our events, often leading games, crafts, and activities, because connecting with our guests is what makes this work so rewarding.
I’m honored to share my passion for animals and education with others, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to bring smiles, learning, and unforgettable memories to our community.
Tiffany FAQ’s
Q: Why reptiles?
A: I could give you a long scientific answer but the truth is, I just think they’re really super duper cool!
Q: How did you get started in this?
A:I’ve always loved animals. In third grade, my teacher, Mrs. Quill, had animals in her classroom, and I would skip recess to help care for them. Not long after, my dad let me start riding horses, and that passion carried into college, where I studied horses. While in school, a friend of mine who owned a snake named Morris (now 26 years old!) asked if I wanted him. I said yes—and the rest is history.
Q: Have you ever worked with dangerous animals?
A: Absolutely! I've had the privilege of working with alligators, venomous snakes, crocodiles, Komodo dragons, and large pythons. Surprisingly, though, the most dangerous animals I’ve ever worked with are horses and cows.
Q: What’s one animal I hope to work with in the future?
A: My favorite animal and the largest reptile in the world…the saltwater crocodile!
Q: What’s one thing I want people to get out of a Dino Buddies encounter?
A: My goal is for our guests to leave feeling like they’ve learned something new. I want kids to walk away feeling empowered, knowing the world is theirs to explore if they’re willing to be creative and work hard. Most importantly, I want everyone to see how incredible these animals are and to understand that they deserve love, respect, and kindness—no matter how intimidating they might seem.
