Reptile & Amphibian Forums

....this but love him or hate him this is very impressive. Just look at the size of the crowd in this arena. If even 1/2 of them come out with a greater appreciation for wildlife the fellow succeeds.
Steve Irwin's Crocoseum

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CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'

Link takes you to the page but you'll have to click the crocoseum link to see the rest. It didn't carry over for whatever reason.

Go to the Bindi part with the dancing Croc men and look at the size of the audience.
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CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'

Hello Chris, I've always liked Irwin's shows,and he has done alot to educate the public but maybe someone can explain to me how having 20 people jumping on a crocs back is safer and less stressful than the use of drugs when it comes time to move an animal from pen to pen or whatever.Maybe I'm wrong but you dont see anyone jumping on a lion or bear!Just my opinion with a question. Steve

Steve,

I think the difference is the drugs used to sedate crocodilians (and other reptiles for that matter) are much different and far less available than of what is used for mammals. Secondly, and I could very well be wrong on this, but with capturing crocodilians, there is a risk of possibly drowning the crocodilian if it is tranquilized. Therefore, it is less risky to throw a rope around it's jaws and then a team of men jump on it to restrain it. While I will agree, that if a better tranquilization method that was safer to use on crocodilians was available, then perhaps that would be the better method, however, I dont think that is quite the case here. If someone has other info that states otherwise, I am certainly eager to read it....always trying to learn about my crocs!

Chris

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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
www.uappeal.org

This deals mostly with expertise. A procedure of having the proper drug, having an expert present who is sharp enough to determine tranquilizer dosage based on body weight, and expert handlers to care for the animal when it is tranquilized, is paramount. Part of avoiding drowning the animal involves keeping it away from water, keeping it bound to a tree as it wakes, keeping it in the shade so the heat doesn't overwhelm its metabolism while tranquilized, etc.

One should note that one of Irwin's reasons for not injecting crocs deals with his distaste for 'polluting' an animals body with drugs. What's worse than polluting the animal is killing it. I don't know Irwin's kill record - perhaps he's never lost one from capture stress, perhaps he has lost many. It is doubtful one could ever know, as he guards his image as an 'expert' very carefully.
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Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL

It's been quite a while, how have things been? Thank you for the added information, it makes perfect sense. With that being said, I could possibly see why it would be much easier to use the rope and restrain method, although in the end it would be much more stressful for the animal. Why would Mr. Irwin consider tranquilization to be any different than providing a vaccination? I have seen him sedate animals before, so why would during the capturing of a crocodilian be any different? Doesn't seem like he has that very well thought out.

I hope all is well with you Izzy!

Chris

>>This deals mostly with expertise. A procedure of having the proper drug, having an expert present who is sharp enough to determine tranquilizer dosage based on body weight, and expert handlers to care for the animal when it is tranquilized, is paramount. Part of avoiding drowning the animal involves keeping it away from water, keeping it bound to a tree as it wakes, keeping it in the shade so the heat doesn't overwhelm its metabolism while tranquilized, etc.
>>
>>One should note that one of Irwin's reasons for not injecting crocs deals with his distaste for 'polluting' an animals body with drugs. What's worse than polluting the animal is killing it. I don't know Irwin's kill record - perhaps he's never lost one from capture stress, perhaps he has lost many. It is doubtful one could ever know, as he guards his image as an 'expert' very carefully.
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>>Israel Dupont
>>Winter Haven, FL
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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
www.uappeal.org

It is difficult to answer your question without violating the k.com Terms of Use, regarding writing 'negatively of someone.' so I will do my best, here, in the interests of science and the art of husbandry:

Suffice it to say that if you are seeking reason, consistency and balance from certain individuals, you will never be satisfied in finding such from them.
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Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL

np

>>It is difficult to answer your question without violating the k.com Terms of Use, regarding writing 'negatively of someone.' so I will do my best, here, in the interests of science and the art of husbandry:
>>
>>Suffice it to say that if you are seeking reason, consistency and balance from certain individuals, you will never be satisfied in finding such from them.
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>>Israel Dupont
>>Winter Haven, FL
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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
www.uappeal.org

Hi Steve,

I wasn't commenting on his methods but rather the success the man has had in taking wildlife to the general public. Especially crocs. Of course he is abit of a showman, in truth to much for me, especially to much for my wife. But what he has accomplished has considerable value.

In answer, at least in part to your other angle, drugging a croc isn't the same as drugging a lion or a bear. It has it's uses but for the most part it's ropes and bodyweight.

Have a great night,
Chris
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CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'