Photo Gallery :: Pictures galore from the Zoo and Expo in Omaha!

[scripta_elegans]

Here you go David Y!







The last little lizards are collards like mine. I realy liked the tortises too!

[lotsofpets]

Those are really neat looking photos. I like the fact that all the animal's enclosures look so natural. I am sure that it makes the animal's feel at "home" as can possibly be, without actually being there.

[DavidY]

ha ha! ya, bad idea!

Man, I would love to keep hots! If it were legal in my state and I wasn't married, I would definitely get into it. It's not something you just jump into though. Even after all the research, you have to really train yourself physically and psychologically beforehand. The first thing experience keepers recommend is getting any of the really nasty and aggressive non-venomous snakes like a common water snake (which I used to catch as a kid) or a coachwhip snake. Then progress to one of the less deadly venomous like a copperhead or a pygmy rattlesnake. Unfortunately, the elapids (cobras) are one of the more difficult to keep because of their speed and propensity to strike at anything that moves, so it would take a bit for me to work my way up to one of those.

[DavidY]

ooohhhh, I'm getting reptile show withdrawal! I love those tortoises.
Thanks for the pics! Next best thing to being there!

[scripta_elegans]

Yes! But the fluidity of their movement is one of the most beautiful things about the elapids! The puff adder isn't too fast in locomotion, but the strike is frighteningly fast. But I really don't think I could help cuddling it. I think they are adorable. I would love to have one but first you need expensive special permits to keep them, and I couldn't have children with it around ever. I have had the misfourtune of seeing snakes that have had horrific things done to them to render them harmless, and I can't believe people can do that to an animal, let alone an animal that they call a pet.

[DavidY]

Yea, that's what I love about them too! They are so graceful but deadly. And the way they will stand up to a potential threat (like man) and face them square on with their hood flared out, flicking their tongue trying to identify the scent. Feigned attacks and an occasional hiss. That is beauty in motion! Ah, Steve Irwin was a master when it came to appreciating these beautiful creatures! (I can't help but hear his voice whenever I get excited about snakes, lol!)

So is that pic at the top of this page the Taipan again? What was the snake in the last pic on the previous page, a Tiger?

[DavidY]

Oh yea, if you're referring to the "venomoids", where they remove the venom glands...yea that's a real controversial topic. I think it's horrible the way some people butcher these beautiful animals just so they can show off and handle them without any risk. That's plain stupid and cowardice. If they are that afraid, then just go visit the zoo and leave the animals alone. On the other hand, I have seen some venomoids where the surgery was done meticulously and under OR conditions (sterilized surgical tools, anesthesia, etc). The recovered snake showed no signs of injury or damage what so ever. But I still don't think that anyone should do that to a snake just so they can be kept as a pet to show off to others.

[Cripm88]

i agree

[Hoooneylynn]

Ive never been to a reptile show! How do you guys know when one is coming or where they are at?

[octpusgirl8]

Lol i bet DavidY senses it! But seriously, the ones i've been to, i saw a billboard or sign or something about it and thought, hmmm, i think i'll go to that! I'm sure there are listings online too. I got my giant african millipede, Seymour Legs (RIP Legs, i miss you!) at one of the ones in Hamburg a few years back. Keep an eye out, they're so much fun!

[SpotsMama]

I guess DavidY isn't up yet since he hasn't responded, so I'll give you a link he provided a little while ago in another post. It's got a big list of reptile shows:

http://www.kingsnake.com/events.html

[octpusgirl8]

Sweet! Thanks SpotsMama!