First look: Chompers!!!

This picture was just sent in of our newest rescue, a baby American Alligator named "Chompers." We have been preparing for the exciting arrival for weeks and I'm counting down the days until I pick her up (this Tuesday).

She was bought over the internet as a gift for someone’s fiancé. Luckily they both decided that an alligator was NOT a suitable pet. It is killing me to see how many people are buying these animals thinking that they will make good pets. I want to welcome ANYONE to come and see in person how big, aggressive, and dangerous these animals can be. My case in point: Soni our resident alligator.

***If you want to see Soni and I in person, come to the Idaho Herpetological Society meeting held on October 18^th at the Idaho Fish and Game Trophy Room at 7:00pm.

As always, I promise to keep everyone updated on our newest resident. 

- Corbin

Baby Beluga

Beluga Whales are one of my ALL-TIME favorite marine mammals. These amazing “sea canaries”; named so because of their vocalizations, are one of the few whale species exhibited in marine parks. So when a baby is born…its BIG news! I was so fortunate during my recent visit to Vancouver Aquarium to see their newest addition: a baby Beluga named Tiqa.

Tiqa was born on June 10, 2008 to her mom, Qila. She was the first calf in Canada to born to an aquarium-born beluga. Belugas are born dark grey for protection and gradually change to a creamy color once they reach maturity.

I’ve trained belugas before at various marine parks but have never worked with a baby. Here I’m pictured with an adult beluga. The females are smaller than males and reach an average of 13 feet and weigh 2,600lbs. Tiqa has a long way to go!

Even at an early age, training is underway! This allows the trainers and the veterinary staff to work closely with the whales and do regular health checkups. As you can see, baby Tiqa is still learning (far right).

Tiqa will remain and depend on her mom for the next few years. She’ll reach sexual maturity between six to nine years of age. Belugas can live to be over 50 years old. If you want to see Tiqa in person or learn more about belugas, please visit http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.vanaqua.org/home/beluga.html.

Video: Soni our Alligator

This week is all about preparation for our newest rescue: a baby American Alligator. Yesterday I posted some never-before-seen pictures of me working with them. Now I want you to see how big Soni our resident alligator is! Check out this video of Soni featured on FOX NEWS! http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYhLI248sg4

Never-before-seen-Pics!!!

If you’re one of our followers on Twitter (www.twitter.com/corbinmaxey) then you might have already heard the news that we are in the process of rescuing a baby alligator. In preparation for his arrival on October 13^th I’ve decided to show some never-before-seen pictures of my history raising these amazing creatures.

***Pictured above is me at age 13 with my very first alligator named “Manny.”

Manny was rescued from a local pet store that was ILLEGALLY selling alligators to young children. She had such a wonderful personality and educated thousands of people. Housing Manny for nearly three years allowed to see and experience firsthand what it was like to work with these intelligent crocodilians.

I can’t believe I dug this old photo up! This is me at 14-years-old with Soni our American Alligator as a baby. He was so cute! I sure do miss those days when he was handable. That summer Soni and I performed in “Reptile Rampage.” A show I wrote, produced, and performed in at a local zoo.

Here is a picture of Soni NOW! He is almost 6 feet long and unfortunately isn’t too keen on being handled. Soni was rescued after he was living in someone’s bedroom for nearly two years! He has shared his story across the nation on shows like “The Tonight Show” and “The Martha Stewart Show.”

Here is another picture of Soni and me during an appearance in 2008. That was the last year we used him in our educational programs. Now he currently lives at the reserve in a custom-built exhibit featuring a heated pool, basking areas, and palm trees.

As preparation is underway for our little “baby” I promise to keep everyone posted on up-to-date info concerning our most recent rescue...Stay tuned!!!

"Mike and Kate in the Morning"

Hey everyone!

The animals and I visit “Mike and Kate” from Boise’s Mix 106 (105.9fm) tomorrow from 8:00 – 9:00am (Mountain Standard Time). Make sure to tune in....or if you’re out of state listen LIVE at www.mix106radio.com. You can even have the chance to be caller NUMBER 9 at (208) 376-5106 and make Kate hold “Charlotte” our tarantula!  This should be quite interesting....