From Snake Phobia To Exotic Pet Shop Owner

By Mohd Afiq Zulkifli

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- A childhood encounter with a python at the age of seven left Nur Nina Farisha Woo Abdullah traumatised well into adulthood. Yet, that very fear eventually led her into the world of business and the care of exotic animals, including snakes.

Her business, Brotherhood Reptiles, which she runs with her husband, has been operating since 2018 in Alam Damai, Cheras. It houses hundreds of exotic animals such as tarantulas, reticulated pythons, Borneo pit vipers, ‘pacman’ frogs, chameleons and more.

Nina, as she is fondly known, first gained recognition among exotic pet enthusiasts through her active presence on social media during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period. She said most of the animals are imported from countries such as the United States, Thailand and Indonesia.

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“I used to have a phobia of snakes. When I was young, I once saw a python swimming close to me in a pond, and that fear stayed with me as I grew up.

“I gradually overcame it during my college years. From barely being able to touch them, I eventually became comfortable handling various exotic animals,” she told Bernama during a recent visit to her shop.

The petite 29-year-old’s confidence in handling a wide range of exotic species has captured the attention of netizens curious about how she ventured into a field rarely pursued by women.

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Sharing her story, the Johor Bahru-born entrepreneur and mother of two said it all began after she struggled to secure a job upon graduating in offshore engineering (oil and gas).

The idea to venture into the business came from discussions with her husband, who prefers to be known only as Aiman.

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Starting from home in 2015 before opening their own shop in 2018, Nina began sharing videos of their exotic animals on social media using a casual approach and simple language.

“I never expected the videos we shared to receive such an overwhelming response. It encouraged me to consistently produce content about lesser-known reptile species and proper care techniques,” she said.

Nina, who is largely self-taught in exotic animal care while also learning from experienced individuals, hopes her content can help change public perceptions, as many still view these animals as dangerous.

-- BERNAMA