Reptiles Galore!!!

 

I was SO excited today to write a blog about my recent visit to one of the of country’s most diverse collection of reptiles at the St. Louis Zoo. The Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium is home to hundreds of species of reptiles found all over the world, most of which are in danger or threatened.

Look at this toothy creature! Rarely seen in zoos, the False Gharial is unique because of its long slender snout and sharp pointy teeth designed to catch fish. Found in Indonesia and Malaysia these crocodilians are endangered due to habitat destruction, interference with humans, and the skin trade.

One of my favorite species that has quite an aggressive reputation is the Gaboon Viper. Found in the tropical rainforests of East and West Central Africa this snake holds the record for having the longing fangs which can reach 2 inches!

I could stare at these gorgeous creatures for hours! Alligator Snapping Turtles are some the world’s largest freshwater turtles weighing in at 155 – 175 pounds. Their sharp jaws catch anything from fish, frogs, snakes, birds, and even alligators.

Behind me is what “Soni” will look like a few years. This is a full grown adult alligator enjoying the beautiful sunshine!

One of the reasons why I favor the St. Louis Zoo’s reptile collection over others is because their exhibits are extremely naturalistic. They replicate each individual species habitat.

The zoo is also a leader in reptile conservation and has established breeding programs for endangered species. For more information on how YOU can visit the St. Louis Zoo please visit www.stlzoo.org

Rescued Bears

Check out this amazing picture taken of the two rescued Grizzly Bears who live at Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC Canada. Their exhibit was incredible complete with grassy hills, trees, ponds, and flowing streams. They sure live in 4-STAR accommodations!

More pictures and stories coming soon.

- Corbin

Downtime with the cold-blooded

On tour our schedules can sometimes become extremely full and hectic.That's why relaxing times like these with the animals are so enjoyable for me. ***Pictured above is Shere Khan our Albino Burmese Python with me in the grass.

Junior our Nile Monitor loves exploring outside in new surroundings! Take a look at his dark blue tongue. He uses that for a sense of smell.

Here's a close-up of Shere Khan's head. I always get asked why his head is so pink. It all has to do with his albino coloration. Albino's lack the normal brown and gold color pigments found on normal Burmese Pythons.

Shere Khan is displaying one of my favorite python behaviors: when they raise their heads up to pick up all of the different scent particles. Out in the wild they would do this in long grass to look for predators and potential prey.

Even though the animals and me will be on tour for the majority of August, I always find time to interact with them on a daily basis. The interactions provide my animals will positive enrichment and keep them happy and healthy on the road!

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