Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There was a post below asking if we should get Terri Irwin for a spokesperson. I thought it was worth a try cause she is a well known person and loves animals. So hey shoot her a email. Well I got a answer back. And here it is.

Dear Marc,

Thank you for offering the opportunity for Terri to assist you in your important conservation project.

As you can imagine, Terri receives hundreds of requests every week from all around the globe to assist vital conservation projects. Regrettably, this was proving very difficult to manage - and to the disappointment of Terri and ultimately the particular organization or individual seeking her help it was always hard to commit. Terri does not like to leave people waiting and wondering.

We decided last year that we would focus all our efforts into Wildlife Warriors and have developed a series of initiatives that will make an important contribution to the welfare and survival of wildlife in selected locations. By having only a few projects we are confident that we can deliver effective outcomes and we can, with greater certainty, manage Terri’s availability and ultimately the effectiveness of her energy and passion for wildlife.

We are sorry that we cannot help you with your request and we genuinely wish you success. It is people and organizations like yours that give nature a chance to survive.

Kind Regards;

International Correspondent

Australia Zoo

PH: 54 36 2000

FAX: 54 94 8604

Email: info@australiazoo.com.au
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Marcs Reptiles

Well it was worth a try. Sadly I feel that if we don't get some kind of support from someone in the main stream press we are going to lose our battle. Thanks for taking the initiative.

Mike

I think that's a pretty good start.
She was supportive, as far as I can tell.
Thanks for the effort.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

It's going to cost a lot of money to have full time staff of professionals manage and advocate our cause.
That will take a lot of money. Does anyone have any idea what it would cost? Has/can anyone work up an economic model and organizational chart for such an organization?
I do not make any money off reptiles. Have always spent way more than has come in. May be a character defect, but that's a different subject. Some people do make money.
In my case, even with my limited means, $1,000 a year to pay for a professional organization and staff to manage these issues on my behalf, doesn't seem out of the question.
Questions -- How much would it cost. How many of us are there? And, how much are each and every one of us willing to contribute financially? Please no oaths of financial commitment at this point.
However, we honestly do need to start thinking about forming such an organization with charter, mission, board of directors, organizational chart, etc, etc.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

Marc:

Thanks for trying to get Terri involved in our cause.

Along the same lines how about Jeff Corwin. He's a reptile guy and one that would understand the issues.

Brian

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Brian Gundy

www.for-goodness-snakes.com

Corwin is a great idea.He's from here.I emailed Robin at pro Exotics about Chad becoming invovled because he is also well known.He e-mailed me back saying they were "monitoring the situation".Hopefully there are some letters or inputs being made behind the scenes from well known people.I sure hope so.

Terri Irwin is kinda "from here" too...

Yeah,but what I meant was she's in another country now,working over there on things and Corwin is here.

See if Wildlife Warriors is willing to join the cause. An established group jumping on board would be a great start.
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"Not so tough when you're hit from behind with a golf club are ya?"

im not sure how well known this person is Jim Harrison he runs a reptile zoo here is the link to see is website maybe he can help in some way i think he has been on television on animal planet not for sure but deals with reptiles/snakes http://www.kyreptilezoo.org

I looked around for a bit and found the contact info for the australian zoo as well. I did write a brief email to them asking for any advice or help on the matter as well as asking if Terri would be interested in serving our cause. I haven't yet received the email you did, but I did make the effort; despite my embarassment at being an insufficient spokesperson!
Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there. I only wrote them last night... I did not see this post before then so I hope the zoo isn't irritated with the possible slew of emails!
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Steph S.
Boas...
1.1 Albino boas (Loki & Hope)
1.4 07 Het. albino boas (Petty & Lady,Sierra,Madeline,Lola)
0.1 Reverse stripe poss. het albino (Cookie)
0.1 Salmon/hypo (Scarlet)
0.1 Anery poss. het snow (Missy)
1.0 Anery (Reno)
0.1 DH Sunglow (Bonnie)
0.0.1 Hypo het anery
1.0.0 Het. Anery (Guy & ?)
0.3 Normals (Ophelia, Sasha, & Lulu)
1.1 Surinames (Solomon & Surreal)
1.2 Hog Isles (Mr.Orange & Peaches, Tang.)
0.0.1 Central American (Sassy)
0.1 Emerald Tree boa (Jade)
1.0 ATB (Satan... seriously!)
Pythons...
2.1 GTPs (B., Monty & Jewel)
0.0.3 BPs (MJ, Precious, Houdini)
1.1 Carpet Pythons (Jackson & Charlotte)
0.1 Blood python (Akaia)
Misc.
1.1 Mandarin Ratsnakes (Jack & Jill)
1.0 Boxer/Pitt Mutt (Tyson)