Posted by:
RioBravoReptiles
at Tue Apr 27 08:27:16 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by RioBravoReptiles ]
I was approached by a nice person about using photos for their Rescue website.. Here's my response..
Dear Ms. Rogers,
As you might see from looking through my website Rio Bravo Reptiles is education-oriented and an outspoken advocate for the safe and humane keeping of the Boas and all pets. It is my experienced view that the keeping of Boas and other non-traditional pets is as enriching to young people (of all ages) as the care of dogs, cats and the rest of the so-called normal pet menagerie. And statistically safer. Further, Boa and other reptile pets also foster learning of nature and natural systems and an empathy for nature and wildlife.
I have had cause to regret letting others use my photos. Many times their use is out of context and contrary to the spirit of fun or education in which they were intended. We live in a time of political zealousness where the privileges of people to keep Boas and other animals are under attack and the opponents of these rights think in black and white terms. Reptile Rescue itself is controversial to some and subject to misunderstanding.. are we rescuing animals from some poor situations or saving society from the savage reptiles? Depending upon one's political leanings, either could be the answer, too often it is the latter. There are dog, cat and bird rescue facilities in most every city, costing millions in public and private funds, yet their existence doesn't seem to impart a negative taint to owners of those pets as Reptile Rescue efforts can to keepers of Boas and other similar animals. Don't misunderstand, picking up after other's mistakes with animals of any type is difficult, I am very thankful for any sincere efforts!
The photo you are referring to was taken in Suriname in 1980. To the practiced eye it is a source of amusement. Despite the seeming furious action it was a calm episode and absolutely no harm came to our partner or the animal. That image does not correctly display the interaction between responsible keepers and their reptile pets nor even the true size potential of Boa in captivity. The animal shown is unique in all my experience with that type. As such its' use in a website like yours should be carefully considered. Images depicting the safe and calm interaction between people and larger reptiles will have a much better overall impact on visitors to your website. The sight of large beautiful animals in the care of happy people will encourage better care and can give notice of size potential as well. And as I attempted to explain just above the political impact of operations such as yours must not be ignored.
May you use the image? Please consider my recommendation to find other more suitable photos, but if you can convince me of the positive results of posting that image in your site I will allow it.
I look forward to your reply,
Gus
A. Rentfro
Rio Bravo Reptiles
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Gus
A. Rentfro
RioBravoReptiles.com
www.riobravoreptiles.com
"Quality is not an accident. Perfectly healthy animals are a minimum requirement.. everything else is just salesmanship" gus
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 Photo use, Reptile Rescue, politics, read this if any of that interests you... - RioBravoReptiles, Tue Apr 27 08:27:16 2004 
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