Posted by:
Carmichael
at Mon Dec 15 07:38:50 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Carmichael ]
I agree with Bill. There is no substitute for REAL experience...and not just experience, but proven experience. I know many folks who have kept herps for a long time but have never kept a sinle one of their herps for more than a few years (boredom, lack of commitment, etc.)....some of these animals are kept in deplorable conditions. Those who have proven themselves to be committed to the hobby (and in my case, profession) have shown themselves to be people of passion and genuine care for the animals (and I am not patting myself in the back here, just making a point). I have FAR more respect for someone who has kept the same burm, for example, for 20 years than someone who claims to be an expert because they keep many snakes but none of them on a long term basis or in a manner that would be perceived as being knowledgeable (and there are a plethora of people like that on these forums...always looking for something better). Sure that person who has kept only one snake wouldn't necessarily be seen as an expert, however, they possess something that few owners do...committment. They have learned how to develop strong observation skills, intuition, instinct and a bond that few herp owners will ever possess. They have learned the secrets of establishing a special bond with an animal that few people will give credit to that these types of bonds can take place....but this is different than the person who keeps one burm on a very short term basis, and does it incorrectly, and then pops off in a forum that they are some self professed expert; it is fairly easy to see through these charades. It truly amazes me as to how many people keep certain herps, not just burms, without having ANY idea about that animal's natural history, conservation efforts and some of the field and in-situ research being done....makes me wonder what people's real motivation is in owning an exotic pet. Well, I'm rambling and not even sure what my point is....
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RE: A rhetorical ? that doesnt have a simple answer>>>>more - Carmichael, Mon Dec 15 07:38:50 2003