Hello from tour

Hello from the open road! This week the animals and I are traveling across the country spreading our message about conservation, education, and responsible pet ownership.***The picture above (taken in Wyoming) describes everything tour reminds me of: the open road, the long drive, and the beautiful sky above.

Our first appearance of many was in Denver, Colorado. We always pass Denver along our way to New York City but never have the time or means to stop. This was the first time the animals and I appeared on Denver TV!

I love this picture of the Denver skyline in the early morning. After our segment the clouds cleared up and gave way to clear blue skies. Since we didn't have too much time in the city I tried to soak up every minute there.

After leaving Denver towards our next destination we came across this sign! I had to stop and get a picture for "Irwin" our Solomon Island Skink.

A lot of times on tour the fun and enjoyable part is not when you reach your destination but the journey it takes to get there. This picture was taken just before the sun came down on a beautiful day.

Goodbye Mate: You’ll be missed

I regret to inform everyone that “Spike” our resident Bearded Dragon passed away early this afternoon. Ever since we rescued Spike in the summer of 2006 he has brought so much joy to not only me and the people who work with him on a daily basis but to the millions of people he has educated. Always an audience favorite, Spike would steal the show by bobbing his head up and down or doing his famous pushups.

Spike was always the perfect candidate to sit on people’s shoulders or even people’s heads! Here we are both pictured in the fall of 2006.

One of his favorite things to do was bask outside in his custom built habitat in the summer. Here he is doing what beardies’ do best: Flaring up! Anytime a bird or even a plane flew over his exhibit he would puff up to appear bigger than he really was.

I couldn’t have asked for a better lizard. Although today has been filled with sadness and grief I can’t help but think how happy I am that he lived the rest of his years in complete comfort and harmony. Bearded Dragons normally live 10 – 12 years of age.

***The picture above was taken earlier this month on what would be his very last television appearance.

Goodbye Spike. We will all miss you. Corbin & Animals

Exhibit Spotlight: Elephant Encounter

One of my favorite destinations that I have visited ever since I was a kid is Utah’s Hogle Zoo. This 42 acre zoological park is home to some of the world’s most incredible creatures. During a recent visit I was really impressed with their Elephant Encounter exhibit which is home to the zoo’s African Elephants and White Rhinos.

The Elephant Encounter exhibit is made up into four distinct yards. Each one of these yards provides the elephants and rhinos positive stimulus and enrichment. Elephants (whom are some of the most intelligent animals on earth) require constant activities to keep them happy and healthy.

This picture was taken by my phone. Check out how close you can get to the zoo’s gorgeous rhinos! It’s amazing how big these creatures truly are when you are merely a few feet away. Unfortunately their horn is causing their demise. Thousands upon thousands of rhinos have been poached for their ivory.

My favorite feature of the Elephant Encounter exhibit is the 110,000 gallon pool that provides a swimming hole for the zoo’s three elephants.  Just looking at the crystal clear blue water makes me want to jump right in!

Here’s a look at the training yard where visitors can watch the elephant’s exhibit behaviors for their keepers. Utah’s Hogle Zoo is one of the many zoos that work with elephants under protected contact. That means that the keepers and elephants are always separated by a barrier for safety.

If you want more information on how you can visit the Elephant Encounter at Utah’s Hogle Zoo please visit www.hoglezoo.org.

Where I come from

I just recently visited my old home in Robie Creek, Idaho. It’s amazing how much growing up in this small community influenced my passion for animals and how I decided to dedicate my life to them.

Behind me is the cabin my family and I lived in for nearly five years. The majority of my childhood was always spent up here in the mountains. Since I didn’t have any close friends for miles away I was always surrounded by all sorts of wildlife. I kept chickens, pigeons, ducks, pheasants, doves, a pot belly pig, and small lizards. I even would put on small “wildlife” shows for my family with the bugs and frogs I used to catch.

This is a picture of me and my Aunt Joyce back in the early 90’s with my first pet lizard named Booger. Booger was a Green Iguana I had for several years. I eventually found out Booger was a “she” when she laid eggs!

My family bought our small Cabin for weekend get-a-ways but eventually we fell in love with place and moved in full-time in less than a year after we bought it. Now the cabin finish has faded and the trees are all overgrown. The pond we used to play in as kids has dried up. Although very strangely looking at it for that moment, it seemed like time stood still. All of my cherished childhood memories came back.

I wouldn’t change my childhood for anything. If I never lived in such an amazing place surrounded by all sorts of animals I do not think that I would have followed in the career path I am now pursuing. Looking at this picture of Booger on top of my head I can’t help but be thankful for so many of the wonderful memories I have made and that are down that long road ahead.

5 facts about the Spotted Hyena

One of my absolute favorite animals is the Spotted Hyena. These mysterious African creatures have been puzzling scientists and researchers for years. I recently found out five amazing facts about these mammals that I would like to share!  

Number 5

Did you know that the Spotted Hyena is more closely related to a cat than a dog?

Number 4

Female Spotted Hyenas are larger than the males AND lead a matriarchal society (dominated by females). Females are also a lot more aggressive and assertive.

Number 3

Their bite is the strongest in the animal kingdom! Unlike most predators they prefer eating the bones and skin over meat. The only things they can’t digest are horns and fur BUT they still eat them. They regurgitate them up in pellets later.

Number 2

Although they look fierce and intimidating Spotted Hyenas do not hunt humans. Unfortunately they are often shot on site due to fear and their frightening appearance.

Number 1

They can make over 11 different sounds including their famous laugh. The laugh is only used when the hyenas are excited our expressing submission to a dominant member of their clan.