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.

A day at the beach

Every day is a day at the beach for one of my favorite reptiles: the Green Sea Turtle (at least for this one at Sea World). These magnificent marine reptiles can be found in the tropical/ sub tropical areas of the world in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They feed primarily on various species of sea grasses in shallow lagoons. Just like other sea turtles, Green Sea Turtles migrate long distances between their feeding grounds and where they were hatched.

Like all the sea turtles, Green Sea Turtles are facing serious threats out in the wild from pollution, harvesting for their shells, meat, and eggs, and from habitat loss. They are considered endangered and are protected throughout their range.

Scooter in the summer time

With all this nice weather about to come into Meridian, Idaho I decided to share with you a picture of Scooter our Green Iguana. This was actually taken last summer by my phone (I had it as my wallpaper forever). In the summer time the majority of my animals get to enjoy the outdoors in specially made exhibits soaking up the natural sun rays as much as they want. This happens to be Scooter's favorite rock! He LOVES sitting atop this big rock and bobbing his head up and down. When he bobs his head up and down he is telling every other lizard and animal that "This is his territory." As the day progresses when he is in his outdoor exhibit, he even turns darker from the sun's rays. This is when Scooter is in his prime! I just cannot wait for summer!

Meet Cosmo our Emu

Very few people know that I have other animals besides reptiles. This is a picture of one of my three emus named Cosmo. I have had Cosmo since he was a chick in 2005. I was only 15 years old when we received Cosmo and the other birds from an old emu farm in Nampa, Idaho. I guess in a sense you can say we "rescued" Cosmo and his brother and sister from being butchered. They now live happily on several acres where they LOVE spending their days grazing the grassy fields. Emus are the second largest bird in the world and can run up to speeds of 40 mph! They are very inquisitive animals and come right up to you as you walk into their exhibit. A lot of people ask me why I have such large birds; my response is "How could you not?"

Harpy Eagle!!!

I just had to share this picture of a Harpy Eagle with all of you! This was taken during my recent visit to the Birds of Prey Center located in Boise, ID. What a magnificent bird! Harpy Eagles are considered to be the most powerful eagle in the world with talons the size of grizzly bear claws! They live in Central and South America where they dine on sloths, reptiles, birds, and even monkeys!

To see a bird like this up-close was truly incredible. This particular Harpy Eagle has been worked with since he was hatched at the Birds of Prey Center a couple of years ago. Since he is a male he won't get as big as his female counterparts. The center hopes to fly him outside soon once the weather gets warmer. Could you imagine seeing one of these birds in the air? Woohoo!

For more info on how on how you can visit the Harpy Eagles at the Birds of Prey Center please visit their  website  http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.peregrinefund.org/default.asp