Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Most everybody knows that I am a Ball Python guy. But I am also a true animal lover and appreciate true conservation. I am also fortunate enough to live close to the Columbus Zoo, headed by none other than Jungle Jack Hanna. He is a great representative of the zoo industry and a huge conservation proponent. So today, Brian Barczyk invited me accompany him to the Columbus Zoo while he was shooting a new video. We got some up close and personal contact with Jack, his direct staff (thanks Shawn!), several animals, and a guided tour! There was some fantastic footage shot of their reptile house and I can't wait to see it! I was also surprised to hear Jack ask Brian about the upcoming reptile legislation and listen to Brian explain our reptile keeping & conservation to a very influential person, especially in the public eye. Thanks to Brain for allowing me to take part in a once in a lifetime experience! Here are a few good pics!

Jared Carr

I always tried to catch Jack on Carson -- now that was some watchable network T.V.!!!!!!!!!!!! Jack seems like a good guy and has clearly done much for "our" understanding of many species of animals -- as well as conservation proper.

Thanks for the photos and backstory!!!
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Bill Buchman

Sounds like a great day!
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Matt Lerer
Ghi Reptiles

Snow Leopard?

I thought they were bigger than that...
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Matt Lerer
Ghi Reptiles

baby snow leopard....wow, nice.

Matt,

Thats Pabu he is about 8 months old. But you are correct he will be around 120 lbs fuyll grown, but we sure won't be doing this type of thing with him once he gets that big!!!

That must have been fun!
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Matt Lerer
Ghi Reptiles

Yes, it is a Snow Leopard. They are one of the smaller cats. Large males are normally around 120#'s. We also were with the Cheetah's, much larger, and the Clouded Leopard, much smaller. Being that I have lived in Columbus my entire life, I have spend an immense amount of time at our Zoo. But today will most likely be the most memorable! We all really enjoyed getting to see and learn about some of their breeding programs. Sometimes there seems to be a difference of opinion between zoo's and the private sector of some animal husbandry, but they all seemed to be open and receptive to what we all do with reptiles. It may have been a different story if we all had giraffes or elephants in our back yard!

Jared Carr

Jared get out of Yankee land and see the world.Cool photos,love the big cats.Terry

I hear you Terry! Actually, I'd love to live somewhere other than Ohio! I do love our Zoo and our Buckeyes though! -Jared

Jack Hannah could be a great spokesperson against reptile legislation if he saw it as a legitimate cause. Did he seem to have any opinion on the matter, or was he just making conversation? We could sure use a national "figure" to help Andrew Wyatt front this important work.

Jack would be HUGE for our cause. Can you imagine if he could put in a good word on Letterman or Leno?!

Columbus Zoo is awesome. We live just outside Columbus, so I know that zoo very well too. Love the reptile house! Too bad Fluffy isn't housed in there as well.

What an awesome trip- great to see you Jared! Here's one I thought you'd like-

...and when you told Jack that you had 200 snakes, haha

The rest are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30472215@N04/

Ditto on a big thanks to Brian Barczyk and Jack Hanna!

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/30472215@N04/

What a great reaction shot! That was funny! Thanks for posting them. I cannot wait to see the video footage that you guys shot! You've certainly become quite the shutter-fly! Great photos on your flicker site! Talk to you soon & tell your brother I said hello! -Jared

Aaron..... you can't hold out like that. i know you have way more pictures than that...what you waiting for.

I was behind the video camera for most of the coolest things so the stuff you see on Flickr is the only stuff that I was able to whip out the still camera for. For the snow leopard, etc. I was filming almost the whole time! I really wish I had taken a few more photos!
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/30472215@N04/

Haha I just realized this was Shawn! Didn't mean to give you a reply that sounded like you weren't the guy GIVING US THE TOUR. Man, we had such a great time- thank you so much for your hospitality. I wish I had gotten some shots of Pabu and some of the other cats... a lot of my pictures were rhino...rhino...rhino...cheetah...cheetah...cheetah. I just pulled my favorite ones so as not to put up 100 pics of the same animal.

Thanks again, I really hope we make it back in the summer!
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/30472215@N04/

No worries, i understood that you didn't realize it wwas me. I would love for you all to come back during the summer. Everyone is welcome anytime just let me know!!

Look at Jared just mugging for the camera lol.
Thanks for the shots and what did Jack have to say about the preposed bans?
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Tim Johnson
Royal Morphz
702-672-5101

I couldn't help cheesin' it up. It was a great day! Jack Hanna is certainly a huge personality in the animal world I am sure he dealt with anti-animal groups. He really didn't say much other than being surprised that there was not stricter regulation proposed rather than an all out ban. Especially in the areas of the US, such as Florida, where escaped or released animals can establish themselves. Brian explained a rather quick, but detailed summary of the proposed bans. Who knows what will come of it, but I think the more people, no matter who they are, that really know the details of this will help us all. We all need to keep spreading the word and educating people!

Jared Carr

Im glad everyone had a great time. Its always coold to see your animals making so many people smile. I think everyone was lcuky Pabu was in such a good mood, his hamming it up for the camera is not something that happens on a regualr bases. I can't wait to see the episode and especially Jacks episode.... its going to be so good. You all know your more than welcome to come back any time!!!