Following Lori Barczyk to Brian’s Reptile Legacy

A Tribute to Brian Barczyk: Celebrating a Legacy of Passion, Family, and the Reptile Army

In 2024, our family's journey into the world of reptiles truly took off. We dove headfirst into learning all we could about reptile care and husbandry, curating a lineup of YouTube channels that fed our curiosity and excitement. It all started with Snake Discovery, then grew to include Clint’s Reptiles, Dav Kaufman, Green Room Pythons, and many others. A few months in, we came across the Brian Barczyk channel - and that’s when things really clicked. What began as casual viewing quickly turned into something deeper, as we discovered not just an incredible library of reptile content, but a heartfelt legacy built by a family and team dedicated to sharing their passion for animals with the world.

Lori Barczyk Reptile Matriarch

At first, we were drawn in by Brian's wife, Lori, and her incredible team as they showed off life at The Reptarium and gave behind-the-scenes looks at the new LegaSea Aquarium being built across the street.

Lori Barczyk isn’t just continuing Brian’s dream—she’s redefining what it means to lead with heart. Stepping into the spotlight after decades of supporting Brian’s mission behind the scenes, Lori has become the face and force behind both The Reptarium and the newly opened LegaSea Aquarium. Whether she’s wielding a drill, wrangling an animal, or sharing an emotional moment with the team, her determination and spirit are hard to miss. You can feel how deeply she believes in what they’re building - not just for the animals, but for the people who come to learn, laugh, and leave inspired.

Lori’s strength, warmth, and no-nonsense grit are what hold this whole operation together, and it’s clear the entire crew rallies around her as they carry forward a legacy that’s now just as much hers as it was Brian’s.

Brian Barczyk - a true hero to the reptile community:

After watching several of Brian Barczyk's vlogs from mid to late 2024, we realized he had passed away earlier that year. That moment hit us a little differently than we expected - it caught us off guard, since we hadn’t followed his journey over the years and didn’t yet understand who he truly was or what he stood for. But that realization sparked something. The way his family and team spoke about him - with so much love and passion for his dream - made us want to learn more. As we started diving into older videos and saw how other reptile YouTubers spoke about Brian, we began to truly understand the deep respect and admiration the reptile community had for him.

When we watched Brian’s back catalog of videos, his love for reptiles was so real and intense that it jumped right off the screen. His energy and enthusiasm were reminiscent of Steve Irwin, earning him the unofficial moniker "the Steve Irwin of the herpetology community." One memorable video featured Brian spending 50 hours with Ivy and Ariana, two of The Reptarium's largest snakes, to challenge misconceptions about anacondas. It truly brought Mom and Dad back to their childhood, watching the late Aussie Steve Irwin push the envelope—a passion that, sadly, led to his tragic passing after being pierced by a stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef.

Brian did not fall to an accident with nature, sadly he was taken from his family, friends, and the reptile community by cancer.

Brian's final video, "This Is Goodbye...", was a heartfelt farewell, recorded during his battle with pancreatic cancer. In it, he encouraged viewers to continue supporting the channel and his family's endeavors, emphasizing his belief that "you never die until the last person speaks your name."

His wish was for The Reptarium and the new LegaSea Aquarium to continue inspiring others to love animals and wildlife.

We have to admit that video had been lingering out there, and it took a bit of courage to finally sit down and view it. It was heartbreaking, but at the same time inspiring - and it only fueled our passion to keep watching and cheering on his family and friends as they carry on his tradition.

Brian is survived by his wife, Lori, and their two children, Noah and Jade. Noah briefly took on a more prominent role in the channel but has since pursued his own path. Jade, while less publicly involved, shares the family's passion for animals.

The New Reptarium and LegaSea Aquarium!

The Barczyk Team (Family)

The Reptarium and the newly established LegaSea Aquarium have become vibrant centers for education and entertainment, thanks to the dedicated team that Brian Barczyk assembled. Under Lori's leadership, several individuals have been instrumental in carrying forward his mission:

Jay Tomsky

- As the Creative Director and longtime videographer for Brian Barczyk, Jay has been a driving force behind the channel's engaging content. Beyond his behind-the-camera expertise, Jay's on-screen presence and storytelling have made him one of the most recognizable and beloved personalities in the Reptarium community.

He brings great energy and attitude to everything he does - channeling his inner Brian, we’re sure

Mike Wilson -

Serving as the Head Zookeeper at both The Reptarium and the LegaSea Aquarium, Mike plays a pivotal role in overseeing animal care and ensuring the well-being of the diverse species housed at the facilities. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of reptiles make him an invaluable asset to the team. Beyond his professional expertise, Mike's fun-loving and approachable demeanor has endeared him to visitors and viewers alike, making educational experiences both informative and enjoyable.

We feel like Mike often gets the poop end of the snake – and he really doesn’t care!

Melissa Sweet -

Melissa serves as the Director of Community Relations and brings a wealth of knowledge and a nurturing approach to animal care, ensuring the well-being of the animals in her care. Her dedication to animal welfare and her engaging presence makes her an integral part of the team. She also puts time and energy into creating enriching, reptile-friendly habitats that reflect her thoughtfulness and care.

Her interactions with the adorable and cuddly Sloth are our favorite!

Jay Tingle -

As an Animal Educator at The Reptarium, Jay brings a dynamic presence to the team. His engaging content and deep knowledge of reptiles have captivated audiences, making him a standout personality within the community. Jay's ability to connect with both animals and visitors enhances the educational experiences offered at the facility.

Jay is constantly smiling and loving everything that is going on around him – and notably likes to have a good time!

Connie Stiller -

is a valued member of The Reptarium crew, known for her dedication, work ethic, and fun-loving energy. As a zookeeper, she plays a hands-on role in caring for a wide variety of reptiles and mammals—helping ensure enclosures are clean, animals are healthy, and guests have a memorable experience. Connie is often seen alongside the rest of the crew in vlogs and behind-the-scenes content, jumping in on animal care routines, group projects, and the occasional crew shenanigans. Her passion for animals is obvious, and she brings a balance of professionalism and humor to the team that makes her an essential part of the Reptile Army.

This girl can keep up with the hijinks of both the boys – Mike and Jay Tingle!

The Reptarium Crew Together with the Late Brian Barczyk

Together, this team has not only maintained the daily operations of The Reptarium and LegaSea Aquarium but has also expanded their outreach - engaging with a global audience through social media and educational programs. The proof is in the pudding, they reached us! Their collective efforts ensure that Brian's dream lives on, inspiring new generations to appreciate and care for the natural world.

What truly sets this group apart is their camaraderie. Though not related by blood, they operate with the closeness and warmth of a family. Their interactions are filled with laughter, mutual support, and a shared passion for their work. It's clear they not only collaborate well but genuinely enjoy each other's company, creating an environment that's both welcoming and inspiring for visitors and viewers alike.

For those interested in experiencing the magic firsthand, The Reptarium and LegaSea Aquarium offer interactive exhibits and educational tours. More information can be found on their official website: The Reptarium. As of April 21, 2025, LegaSea has officially opened its doors! One day, we hope we can find someone to watch our own little zoo of reptiles, chickens, and dogs so we can go visit them in person.

Brian’s energy was undeniable!

Overall, Brian's legacy is a testament to the power of passion and community. Through the unwavering dedication of his family and team, his vision continues to flourish, bringing joy and knowledge to countless individuals worldwide. While Lori and the team are carrying Brian’s legacy forward, they’re also carving out something uniquely their own. For many—like us—who discovered the channel after Brian’s passing, it’s their heart, humor, and commitment that welcomed us in and made us want to learn more about the man who started it all.

Check out one of their latest videos where they are moving reptiles across the street from the old Reptarium to the new Reptarium and LegaSea Aquarium!

All photos are sourced from The Reptarium, Brian Barczyk, Jay Tomsky, and Jay Tingle FB pages. Do yourself a favor and follow them all!