Back in the day

Take a look of this picture I found while cleaning out my office the other day! I could not tell you my exact age but to my guess probably around 6 or 7 years old. I am holding two young Burmese Pythons. At the time, these snakes were extremely popular and sold by the thousands in the pet trade. I remember getting these 2 beauties from a local breeder. I was always so excited to be around wildlife. I remember when most kids my age were out playing with race cars or action figures…I was out in the mountains observing all types of different creatures from ants to rubber boas. I look back now on my childhood and realize that if I never lived in Robbie Creek, Idaho I do not think that I would have such an intense passion for all wildlife. All those years of isolation from the “city” shaped who I am toady and who I dream to be in the future.

Striped Hyenas!

I have just gotten word that our good friends at Zoo Boise will be welcoming two new Striped Hyenas to their collection of animals! I was so excited once I found out this news. Hyenas in general are some of the most misunderstood animals in the world. Luckily through research, new information has been discovered about these creatures and has shed light on the species. I have learned that Striped Hyenas are smaller than their much larger and “well known” cousins the Spotted Hyenas (whom you probably have seen in National Geographic Documentaries). Still, Striped Hyenas are an amazing species and I am so happy that we will be welcoming them soon into the valley. The zoo is now currently re-designing their old Big Horn Sheep Exhibit to make way for the new arrivals. It is slated to open in April.

For more information about the Striped Hyena visit this link: http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-striped_hyena.html

The big poo!

"Ariena" before the show

Yesterday, while filming “LIVE with The Reptile Guy” episode #6 titled “The Big Squeeze”, one of our animal guests had a “little” accident! “Arieana”, a 17 foot 230-pound Reticulated Python decided to “poo” ALL over the stage during the segment. Now when a large snake like this decides to “go”, they go! The stench from it nearly passed out the members of our live studio audience. What’s worse is that the set people were not too happy. After the show we all shuffled outside and literally took the whole stage, piece by piece, out for a good cleaning. What a show! In the end most people, including some members of the crew, stated that it was the best show yet! I personally thought it made for great television. Not because of her “pooing” all over me and the stage, but because it showed people that these exotic snakes are still wild animals. They do not make good pets and only an experienced herpetologist should keep them.

Reptiles of Africa!

This morning the animals and I were off to visit our friends at Fox News Channel 12 to do our monthly segments. Each month, we focus on a different part/region of the world. Today we focused on Africa! Being the second largest continent, Africa hosts a variety of wildlife, including exotic reptiles! We brought on a Kenyan Sand Boa (courtesy of Zoo Boise), a Savannah Monitor, a Sulcata Tortoise, a Ball Python, and a Nile Monitor. It turned out to be quite a show! I can’t wait until next month!

To check out the segment click on this link:

http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.ktrv.com/Global/category.asp?C=96710&nav=menu439_2_7

What is the best beginner reptile pet?

"Spike" The Bearded Dragon on the way to NYC for a press appearance

Coming up this week on “LIVE with The Reptile Guy” is our episode about kids who have a passion for reptiles. I was so excited to meet all of these enthusiastic young people who, just like myself, at an early age have a passion for the cold blooded! There is a lot of debate though, on what reptile REALLY makes the best beginner pet. I have been around reptiles before I could barely walk and have been surrounded by wildlife all of my life. And trust me! I have been in situations where at a young age I ended up having pet reptiles that did not make the best pets (ex: iguanas). But since then, there has been a lot of new information about reptile care and new varieties of reptiles available through the pet trade. My vote for the best reptile beginner pet out there goes to the Bearded Dragon. These personable, spiky, lizards don’t get too large (2-3feet) and will tolerate constant handling. Of course, before attaining a Bearded Dragon, do your research! They require special lighting, diet, and supplements. Make sure to check out our Bearded Dragon named “Spike” in the photo gallery!