Of the 100's of herps at our wildlife center alone, I would venture to say that 80% of our collection are rescues. My home collection (eastern indigos and black headed pythons) are animals I purchased. It still amazes me as to what kind of collection you can build for next to nothing. People are blown away when the find out the kinds of herps that become available through local herp society adoption programs...lots of high end animals. That is why I always argue that money has nothing to do with how much good care a reptile will receive; it goes back to how responsible and committed the owner is; and, they are sorely lacking as a whole.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
>>I have three constrictors: a 15 foot Burm, 8 foot boa and 3 foot ball python, all of which were given to me. I got the Burm in 2000 when he was about 6 feet long and 15 pounds. He was aggressive, and the previous owner didn't want him anymore. He gave him to me, and he calmed down nicely and is now the most gentle snake you could ever imagine. I was given the ball python a year ago, and I keep him around just because. The boa is actually pretty cool. She's big and eats rabbits left and right. I've had her about 3 months.
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>>It just occurred to me a day or so ago that all my snakes were rescues. So how many of you have rescues? Have you had good luck with them?
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>>RP
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL
