ZOO owner Brian Barczyk is well-known for his love of animals and gained millions of followers across social media.
Following the heartbreaking news that Brian has entered hospice care, fans want to learn more about the YouTuber and his family.
Who is YouTuber Brian Barczyk?
Brian Barczyk was born on September 6, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan.
The 54-year-old reptile enthusiast founded The Reptarium Reptile Zoo in Utica, Michigan, and is well-known for his YouTube Channel, @BrianBarczyk, where he has over 5 million subscribers.
He has also gained popularity on other social media platforms, with more than 7 million followers on his TikTok page, @BrianBarczyk; over 2.5 million followers on his Facebook account, @BrianBarczyk; more than 1.5 million followers on his Instagram page, @snakebytestv; and over 49,000 followers on his X account, @SnakeBytesTV.
The Reptarium’s YouTube Channel, @TheReptarium, has also garnered a large following, with over 800,000 subscribers.
Per People, The Reptarium opened in 2018 and “houses such creatures as snakes, lizards, alligators, and tortoises.”
Brian also starred in the 2016 Discovery Channel TV series, Venom Hunters.
A Discovery Channel press description of the show states that Brian “has over 25 years of experience breeding and working with over 30,000 snakes and also owns one of the largest reptile collections in the world.”
As People reported, the social media star was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2023.
On January 5, 2024, he posted a video to YouTube titled This Is Goodbye… in which he revealed that he is entering hospice care.
“This last year has been difficult with my cancer and with the ups and downs of treatment and feeling sick,” said Brian.
“Unfortunately, you guys are not going to see me in the future because tomorrow, I go into hospice, which means I don’t have long to go after that.”
Per the outlet, he also shared that he wanted to be there for the opening of his LegaSea Aquarium, which is expected to take place in early 2024, but that no longer seemed able to happen.
“I’m not going to even be there to see it done now,” he said.
However, Brian told his followers not to worry about him.
“When I’m gone, I’m going to spend eternity in heaven to be able to look down on the [LegaSea] and I’m going to be able to look down on my family and everyone who I love. I’m the lucky one,” he continued.
In a statement shared with People on January 10, 2024, The Reptarium said Brian has “made an indelible impact by transforming fear into fascination.”
“Diagnosed with inoperable stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer less than a year ago, he has bravely shared his daily battle on his YouTube vlog, drawing his audience into not just his struggles, but also his unyielding passion for wildlife,” the zoo wrote.
“Brian’s life is guided by a simple yet powerful belief: ‘The only thing that matters, is being good to people.’ This philosophy was evident in everything he did – from his daily vlogs to his business ventures, each aimed at fostering a community of animal lovers and conservationists.
“His legacy will go on to serve as a testament to his love for wildlife, his innovative approach to education and engagement, and his commitment to changing perceptions about reptiles and other animals,” The Reptarium continued.
The statement also said that Brian “is currently at home, comfortable and surrounded by his loved ones.”
Who is Brian Barczyk’s wife, Lori?
Brian has been married to Lori Barczyk for more than 30 years.
Lori has over 38,000 followers on her Instagram page, @loribarczyk.
According to Thaiger, she helps her husband run The Reptarium.
Lori “efficiently handles the financial aspects, manages logistics, and oversees the daily operations of the business.”
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She is also “deeply involved in animal care and breeding initiatives” at the zoo.
Per the outlet, she especially loves dogs and is interested in gardening, literature, culinary arts, and cinema.
Lori is also “a grounding force in Brian’s life, often providing a voice of caution against his adventurous streak.”
How did Brian and Lori Barczyk meet?
According to Thaiger, Brian and Lori met while they were both studying biology at the University of Michigan.
The couple later wed in 1992 and have since shared an “unwavering” bond.
Do Brian and Lori Barczyk have any children?
Brian and Lori share two children, including a son named Noah and a daughter named Jade.
Per Thaiger, the family of four are “all passionate animal lovers and bloggers.”
Noah was born in 1998 and “loves to travel and explore new places with his family and friends.”
He is popular on social media, with 197,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel, @BadChoiceNoah, and more than 35,000 followers on his Instagram page, @barczyknoah.
Jade was born in 2002 and is a “dedicated student and dancer with a fondness for ballet, jazz, and contemporary styles.”