Nature Box Pet Emporium in Aurora, Colorado has built a loyal following over the years as a go-to destination for exotic animal enthusiasts across the Front Range. While the store's primary reputation rests on its impressive reptile inventory — widely regarded as one of the cleanest and best-stocked reptile operations in the region — it also maintains a freshwater fish section and carries a variety of invertebrates, from tarantulas to other exotic species. The fish department has its champions among the staff, with multiple reviewers singling out specific employees for their aquatic expertise.
One customer specifically praised "the green haired lady" for being deeply knowledgeable about anything fish-related, while another highlighted Tambrey for her outstanding service and knowledge across the store's offerings. What keeps customers coming back to Nature Box is the combination of healthy, well-maintained animals and a feeder insect supply that many consider essential for their collections. Reptile keepers with large "zoos" of surrendered and rescued animals count on the store for emergency bug runs and enrichment items, and the feeder quality consistently earns high marks.
The store environment itself is notably clean, which matters enormously in a shop housing live animals across multiple species. The atmosphere leans toward community — families with young children enjoy browsing the animal displays, and long-time customers describe being treated like family by their favorite staff members. The selection extends beyond live animals into supplies for small mammals and a variety of product brands for exotic pet care.
Located in Aurora, Nature Box Pet Emporium occupies a particular niche: it's not strictly a fish store, but its freshwater fish section and invertebrate offerings make it worth a visit for aquarists in the area, especially those who also keep reptiles or other exotics. The staff's willingness to answer questions and share care knowledge — particularly from standout employees — adds genuine value to the shopping experience. 5-star rating, it's a store that has clearly earned its repeat customers.
Gavin Washburn
The green haired lady is very knowledgeable and helpful with anything fish related :)
Stefany Cruz
9 reviews
Big shout out to Mason for being very friendly and welcoming when I came in and helping me get feeders for my zoo of animals.
Tatiana Palacios
2 reviews
Pretty cool place but the spiders are in tiny containers, thats kind of sad to see
Joy McManus
42 reviews
Best inventory and cleanest reptile distributor on the front range 👌
Skylyn Flageolle
2 reviews
If I could I would give this shop more than 5 stars. We loved coming here before we moved and browsing selection when getting bugs and was always treated like family. We just moved back with our 2 year old and he adores the animals and the staff still treat us amazing! Staff are super knowledgeable and helpful without being judgemental and always welcome our questions.
Madelynn Wayne
7 reviews
This store has been a long time favorite of mine and I have come here for many years, and have spent thousands. I have many reptiles whom I’ve taken in as surrenders, so this store is a go-to for emergency bug supply and fun items. The staff is very hit or miss. We have had some exceptionally wonderful experiences with very knowledgeable employees. On the other hand, we’ve had some awful experiences with rude, short, and snappy employees. I do not know their names: one is an older male with kids, and the other is a young girl with longer black hair. I will never forget a few months ago, she was so rude to me when I had my bearded dragon with me on a cooler evening after we had a trip to the vet for a wellness check. “Do you always take your dragon out when it’s this cold?” She asked in such a sarcastic tone. I said no. “You know cold air isn’t good for them.” Of course I do. He was tucked in my hoodie against my skin. I wasn’t going to leave him in the car. “You better watch him for the next week because he will likely develop a respiratory infection” she said in very threatening way. No matter how many times I told her he was fine, she wouldn’t drop it. Ultimately: my dragon IS fine, never got sick. Clean bill of health and very happy. I’ve raised him from 4 weeks old, he will turn a year old this May. It was a one-time outing. Despite her input, I know I’m a responsible owner and I am still in awe of how stupid she made me feel. Educating customers is one thing, but she was downright hateful and humiliating. I have never had such a negative experience with an employee. Now, every time we return to the store and she is present, she seems to recognize me and it is very hostile and uncomfortable. I dread going in on days that she may happen to be there, so it encourages me to visit other stores instead which is a bummer because I love this store! I hope she can find it within herself to be less judgmental towards other loyal customers in the future, or perhaps find another line of work that doesn’t require customer service now that I’ve read other negative reviews on her having had similar problems with her attitude. *** update 1/22/26 Tambrey is AMAZING!!!! We adore her service every time we visit. She is so knowledgeable and kind. Give that lovely lady a raise! 🌸🦎
Natasha Brodsky
3 reviews
Everyone is so nice and everything we have bought from them has been happy and healthy. We are repeat customers and will continue to come back.
Michelle Bryant
41 reviews
My favorite exotics store!!! I got my first tarantula from here and get my feeders here and the staff is super helpful when I have questions about her or anything else.
Derek Hohn
7 reviews
Great store
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (303) 766-4377 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Nature Box Pet Emporium.
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13740 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80015
February 7, 2026
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