Posted by:
Carmichael
at Sun Nov 21 16:06:03 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Carmichael ]
This is indeed the most entertaining forum I read....lots of bickering, everyone trying to "one up" the other, everyone trying to "spew" their vast knowledge of an animal that though we do breed successfully, we still know little about (in terms of interactions in the wild....but we have come a long way)....okay, we have learned much in recent years so no need to start a debate (i am not even looking for anyone to respond to this); just thinking out loud which is always a dangerous thing.
Seriously, folks, it has been probably 6 months since I last poked in or contributed and nothing has changed....wonderful soap opera!
As a curator of a very successful wildlife center, and a private hobbyist, that keeps monitors and LOVES monitors, it would be nice to be able to see everyone a bit more civilized towards one another. I don't get nearly the same feel as the comaraderie that one sees in forums such as the Indigo Forum, GTP, Gila, BP and a few others.
There are some folks here who have made MAJOR strides in the field of varanid herpetoculture and husbandry; I have nothing but the utmost of respect for their achievements. There are some folks whose interest are more academic and perhaps are more concerned with behavioral ecology or some other similar track. They have no doubt made major contributions in their own right and I love nothing more than to hear accounts of observations of wild monitors by these people. Knowledge is power.
I also see some wonderful people who just want to learn as much as they can so that they can give their beloved monitor the best life that they can. Sure, we anthropomorphize these animals and so what, they are OUR responsibility and they are for our enjoyment as long as we have taken the responsibility in bringing them into our homes. We should have fun with them.
My facility keeps monitors for education and exhibit purposes; I do the same at home. Would we like to get into breeding? Heck yeah, but my primary efforts are on Drymarchon couperi, gilas and a few crotalines. Someday, I would love to spend more efforts in breeding these magnificent creatures.
So, why do I really come here besides entertainment? Well, I have learned much from this forum and have appreciated feedback that people have given me when I had questions. the dialogue can be very stimulating and at a high level...on occasion. It sure would be nice to see a certain level of respect and commaraderie within this group....but I doubt that will happen anytime soon.
Just my pointless .02.
Rob Carmichael, Curator (and HOBBYIST)
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL
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Entertainment!.... - Carmichael, Sun Nov 21 16:06:03 2004