Tsavo Maneaters

When I was younger one of my favorite movies was "The Ghost and the Darkness." If you are not familiar with the story it documents the true accounts of two male lions that supposedly killed and ate 135 construction workers during the building of the Kenya-Uganda Railway in1898. At the end of "The Ghost and the Darkness" it states that if you want to visit the lions today you can at the Chicago Field Museum. This is a picture I took from my phone during my trip to the museum back in November. It was so surreal seeing this lions up-close. Not only are these the real skins of the Tsavo lions but they also had the skulls off to the side on exhibit as well. I really recommend EVERYONE to see this exhibit at least once in their lifetime. For more info on the lions please visit the museum website http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.fieldmuseum.org/exhibits/exhibit_sites/tsavo/default.htm

Pics...Pics...AND more Pics!

I want to share with you some pictures that were taken of the animals enjoying the sunshine yesterday. It's so exciting to them outdoors in their exhibits!!! Above is Junior our Nile Monitor lizard just relaxing in his newly renovated outdoor exhibit.

This is Sydney our gorgeous Woma Python enjoying a stroll through the fresh green grass. Although as simple as it seems this is considered enrichment for these pythons. The snakes pick up new sights and smells which stimulates their minds positively.

Look how cute Missouri our Three Toed Box Turtle looks outside her burrow!!! Missouri loves the outdoors and especially looks forward to thunderstorms.

This is one of my favorite pics of Neiko our Ball Python. Not only can they move around well on the ground they can also get around quite well in trees! In the wild Ball Pythons have been documented climbing trees to get to baby birds.

Does this pet fit you???

Last week I told you I would be focusing my blog entries this week on what pet best fits your needs. I am doing this in response to the over-whelming e-mails/letters I receive on a monthly basis concerning pet ownership. Please remember that for any pet DO YOUR RESEARCH before you attaining a new animal!!! Today's spotlight animal is the Bearded Dragon from Australia.

If you

·         Have children (ages 6 and up)

·         Have moderate space available

·         Can devote daily interaction (30 minutes a day)

·         Feed LIVE crickets and mealworms (along with dark leafy greens)

·         Are ready for a “personable” pet

Then the Bearded Dragon just might be for you. Often considered the best beginner reptile pet the Bearded Dragon is about as personable as a reptile can get! They reach lengths for up to 24 inches and live over 10 years. They are GREAT when it comes to children because of their calm dispositions. They can tolerate frequent handling and enjoy daily interactions. An adult can live comfortably in a 55 gallon aquarium. They also require specialized heating/lighting. Visit this link for more information about Bearded Dragon care. http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.beardeddragon.org/

*** I would recommend only captive bred animals. I would also look into checking out your local herpetological society’s rescue/adoption network before purchasing an animal.

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Happy Mother's Day from the animals and me! I decided to post this picture in honor of all the great mothers out there! These are our gorgeous Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. They happen to be the only true mothers at the reserve. They have had over two hundred little roaches this year and counting. The babies if you look closely look like watermelon seeds! Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches live only in Madagascar and live up to 3 years. They make interesting pets and if you are not careful they multiply like crazy!

What pet best fits you?

A lot of people ask me what pet would best fit them. Although this is a very general question sometimes it is not that easy to answer. There are a lot of different factors to look at before you attain a new pet. Your work schedule, space, time, budget, etc. Throughout this week and next I am going to be profiling different species of animals and pairing them with the best possible pet owner.    

If you

·         Work fulltime

·         Have very minimal space

·         Can devote 10-15 minutes on a daily basis

·         Feed frozen/thawed mice and rats every 7-10 days

·         Have always wanted a python….

The Ball Python just might be the perfect pet for you. These small African pythons grow between 4-5 feet long. They can be kept in 30-55 gallon aquariums and are very little maintenance. They also have very docile personalities when frequently held. They only eat every 7-10 days and only poo once a week! What a pet! Matter of fact my very first pet snake was a Ball Python! They are a great beginner reptile and have fascinating personalities.

I would recommend only captive bred animals. I would also look into checking out your local herpetological society’s rescue/adoption network before purchasing an animal.