Dear replies….First and foremost, I placed these photographs [finally] for a reason, to let the cat out the bag so to speak. I constantly read/hear about the savage nature of these beasts, their hunting dog ambushes even stories whereas the native people of PNG fear these Tree Dragons, for legend has it they are man-eaters. Please note, Crocky shows all the usual behavioural characteristics of a Monitor Lizard and then some.



You state my actions place monitor ownership in jeopardy as my irresponsible actions could lead to a ban through injury. If I were to be bitten do you think plastering the wound over the net would help any. Do Reticulated Python owners do this? You could learn something from those guys.



Firstly, I reside in the UK not the US so I would imagine my actions would not affect you directly, shock if it did. Secondly, Crocky is the ONLY one in private hands in the UK and is the ONLY CB Crocodile Monitor in the Europe. Thirdly, SCIENTIFIC NAME: Varanus Salvadorii, have been highlighted and presumably to be placed on our country’s DWA list which prohibits common ownership and rightly so.



I believe, amongst you are the scaremongers, blind to any possible advances in Salvadorii behavioural attitudes or their adaptability. Many of you say you have had little to no experience with Crocodile Monitors yet you jump to conclusions and comment. In many cases uneducated conclusions or educated from this forum or its ilk. In the past people, good people were burned at the stake for such.



Why is it so difficult to believe, maybe just maybe this species of reptile posses the intelligence to not only recognise their keeper but to respond with a form of affection even physically communicate as say a domestic dog. Shock horror, what is this man saying! It cant be so, there must be an angle, he’s cold… over fed? Crocky is NOT WC and differs in temperament greatly as do all individuals, as in dogs. Yes he has the potential to inflict exactly the same type of injury as a WC specimen, injuries I am keen to avoid. Those non-believers amongst us real in horror as I am seen to hand feed Crocky. Yet not one single scientific question is asked of me… “Tell me more about Crockys behaviour, attitude, intelligence his ability to learn and what exactly has contributed to his so-called tameness.”



Predictably so, as you are presumably all PET-OWNERS not scientists… nor for that matter am I. What I posses apart from big balls is belief. I cannot say with any certainty Crocky will one day throw a ‘spazzie’ and take a chomp or worse. Although more likely that my 3 Neapolitan Mastiffs, I believe the risk is [at this present time minute by minute risk assessment!] slim.



NOTE: Neapolitan Mastiffs are BANNED across many parts of Europe, including Germany as they are deemed to dangerous for pet ownership! Am I that deranged that as I type this my two boys play with 3 180lb Mastiffs. In many countries I would be imprisoned for such and ridiculed as a careless parent-pet owner, front page news yet in the UK it’s acceptable.



I breed Reticulated Pythons, Burmese, African Rocks, Boelens…7 subspecies of Boa-Constrictor amongst others and I get bitten from time to time, such is the hobby. I have as yet you’ll be pleased to hear not been bitten by Crocky. There are amongst you who cannot wait for this to happen, plain by your words. I would not wish that on anyone. Ask yourselves this, why… just so you can say “told ya so”. How Crocky came to display these unusual behavioural characteristics is for a another time but can I ask you, if a ban was ever to be proposed in your state…… would you turn to the offending pictures and my experiences with Crocky as positive evidence. Maybe.



What does concern me though is maybe that you are correct with regards to posting such a bold opposing view to Croc monitors and the affect it may have on the New’ie, possibly persuading him or her of a Salvadorii’s suitability as a pet. I have been victim to the same arrogance I have accused you all for which I apologise. My intention was to have a difference in opinion aired. I do feel however the responsibility of the reptile breeders should be reinforced at the point of sale.



Careful too what you pen, you have the right to remain silent….

. From the paranoia within your own replies you shall eventually see the ban you so fear realised. Your doing not mine. Regards Max

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