Pics...Pics...AND more Pics!

I want to share with you some pictures that were taken of the animals enjoying the sunshine yesterday. It's so exciting to them outdoors in their exhibits!!! Above is Junior our Nile Monitor lizard just relaxing in his newly renovated outdoor exhibit.

This is Sydney our gorgeous Woma Python enjoying a stroll through the fresh green grass. Although as simple as it seems this is considered enrichment for these pythons. The snakes pick up new sights and smells which stimulates their minds positively.

Look how cute Missouri our Three Toed Box Turtle looks outside her burrow!!! Missouri loves the outdoors and especially looks forward to thunderstorms.

This is one of my favorite pics of Neiko our Ball Python. Not only can they move around well on the ground they can also get around quite well in trees! In the wild Ball Pythons have been documented climbing trees to get to baby birds.

Does this pet fit you???

Last week I told you I would be focusing my blog entries this week on what pet best fits your needs. I am doing this in response to the over-whelming e-mails/letters I receive on a monthly basis concerning pet ownership. Please remember that for any pet DO YOUR RESEARCH before you attaining a new animal!!! Today's spotlight animal is the Bearded Dragon from Australia.

If you

·         Have children (ages 6 and up)

·         Have moderate space available

·         Can devote daily interaction (30 minutes a day)

·         Feed LIVE crickets and mealworms (along with dark leafy greens)

·         Are ready for a “personable” pet

Then the Bearded Dragon just might be for you. Often considered the best beginner reptile pet the Bearded Dragon is about as personable as a reptile can get! They reach lengths for up to 24 inches and live over 10 years. They are GREAT when it comes to children because of their calm dispositions. They can tolerate frequent handling and enjoy daily interactions. An adult can live comfortably in a 55 gallon aquarium. They also require specialized heating/lighting. Visit this link for more information about Bearded Dragon care. http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.beardeddragon.org/

*** I would recommend only captive bred animals. I would also look into checking out your local herpetological society’s rescue/adoption network before purchasing an animal.

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Happy Mother's Day from the animals and me! I decided to post this picture in honor of all the great mothers out there! These are our gorgeous Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. They happen to be the only true mothers at the reserve. They have had over two hundred little roaches this year and counting. The babies if you look closely look like watermelon seeds! Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches live only in Madagascar and live up to 3 years. They make interesting pets and if you are not careful they multiply like crazy!

What pet best fits you?

A lot of people ask me what pet would best fit them. Although this is a very general question sometimes it is not that easy to answer. There are a lot of different factors to look at before you attain a new pet. Your work schedule, space, time, budget, etc. Throughout this week and next I am going to be profiling different species of animals and pairing them with the best possible pet owner.    

If you

·         Work fulltime

·         Have very minimal space

·         Can devote 10-15 minutes on a daily basis

·         Feed frozen/thawed mice and rats every 7-10 days

·         Have always wanted a python….

The Ball Python just might be the perfect pet for you. These small African pythons grow between 4-5 feet long. They can be kept in 30-55 gallon aquariums and are very little maintenance. They also have very docile personalities when frequently held. They only eat every 7-10 days and only poo once a week! What a pet! Matter of fact my very first pet snake was a Ball Python! They are a great beginner reptile and have fascinating personalities.

I would recommend only captive bred animals. I would also look into checking out your local herpetological society’s rescue/adoption network before purchasing an animal.

Invasive species

I absolutely LOVE receiving your pictures! This was sent by Annie from Miami, Florida. Now I was a little confused when I first saw it. I didn't know if Annie knew that this was a reptile site not a flower site! As I looked closer though I could see a very familiar face...a Green Iguana! Look at this little guy's amazing bright green coloration. Now this picture was taken right outside Annie's backyard in South Beach. There is only one problem. Green Iguanas are naturally found in Central and South America (NOT in Miami). Unfortunately Green Iguanas have been living in Florida for several years now due to irresponsible pet ownership. These pet owners released their unwanted iguanas into the wild and now the iguanas have established themselves very well in Florida's climate. Green Iguanas are notorious for competing with other species of reptiles, birds, and even mammals. Make sure if you own animal that you no longer can take care of, please contact your local humane society.