Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I understand there will be an alligator kept as a house pet on this show Sunday at 8:00 and 12:00 CST Sunday night. It looks like "Bubba" from IL. Nice timing, with the issue of kids and crocs in the public eye.
Reminiscent of the UK paper's Steve Irwin joke

First, realizing I am a professional herpetologist who operates a nationally recognized wildlife center/reptile zoo, I realize my opinions are in the minority; but deep down I know my assessment is correct.

People oftentimes criticize others without knowing a bleepin thing about that person. So goes with Steve Irwin and certainly Jim Nesci who I have had the pleasure to know for a number of years. You will not find a more genuine, passionate, knowledgeable or professional wildlife educator and reptile ambassaduer than Jim. I realize the images of children riding on the backs of a large alligator seem ludicrous and if it was any other alligator, or perhaps person who I felt any less than Jim, I would probably say is crazy...but Bubba is a special animal and Jim is a special person that I have been around for many years. I know, first hand, the magical impact this magnificent animal has had on kids and changing their outlook about the environment. We have quite a few "Bubba roadies" that follow Jim around at his various shows who also hang out at my wildlife center. Jim is one of the most safety conscientous guys I know and no one takes what he does more seriously than Jim. Jim is one of those special people who has a very special bond with a very special animal....people who are quick to criticize, particularly sincere and capable folks like Jim, are either misinformed, judgemental, naive, or jeolous. I always tell people, if you have any doubts, come and see one of Jim's programs; you will surely go away with a postive attitude about what he does (I'll admit, the first time I heard about "some guy letting kids ride the back of his 8' gator" seemed suicidal...until I got to know him and see him in action). To me, there is no better way to make a positive connection/impact with a human's view towards the environment than with an intimate connection with a wild animal....I've been trying to find it for years and can't. Displays are great but that special one on one connection is what serves as the change agent for instilling a deep sense of respect for the environment.

But, as I said, I know I am in the minority so folks will surely have fun making some entertaining remarks. Look forward to seeing them.

Rob Carmichael, Director/Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation
www.cityoflakeforest.com

The only thing I would of changed or added to the HGTV segment on Jim Nesci, is I would of stressed that Jim's relationship with his crocodilian is atypical and that the crocodilian's tolerance for human interaction is an exception rather than the rule.

>>I realize the images of children riding on the backs of a large alligator seem ludicrous and if it was any other alligator, or perhaps person who I felt any less than Jim, I would probably say is crazy...but Bubba is a special animal...

I didn't mean to demean the man or his program. I'm sure he is a dedicated, knowledgeable individual. It just worries me when anyone says, with words or actions, that he is "in complete control" of any animal. Even domestic animals can revert to dangerous, instinctive behavior when faced with the right (wrong?) set of circumstances.

I noticed that there were no images of children on the alligator (although there was a verbal reference). I wonder if they were never in the program, or if they were edited out before airing, after the uproar in Australia.

No one who loves animals, crocodilians in particular likes to see ANY negative public image at all. An individuals background matters some, but as seen in the case of Steve Irwin it is not the deciding factor when it comes to public perception with large aggressive animals. Even an 'expert' is seen with a jaundiced eye in relation to the animal. Why? Most people realize that even the most 'calm' wild animal is still that, a wild animal.

I'm glad you work at a wildlife center and Jim gives educational shows. I'm glad Steve has a great show on TV that helps people find these animals fascinating. I own an educational wildlife company. It is I believe most prudent to present the animals as they really are, predators, not to be feared but to be respected and in some cases viewed as the natural wonders they are intended to be. I personally wrap jaws when presenting a crocodilian, and for a variety of reasons would not want anyone on the back of one of my crocs except me.

But to each his own. We all weigh the risk with the benefit.
Ultimate Guide to Crocs

I personally know jim. I have had the priveldge to work with him for many years now through the Chicago Herp Society (and Rob as well who also responded). Secondly and most importantly I would like to state outright, my experience with crocodilians is terribly limited. In fact I deal with them as little as possible. The potential power and strength of them is a bit awesome to me still. I also see that beyond a certain point there is little room for mistake. I tend to be accident prone and know my personal limits.

I have seen the close eye Jim takes with all aspects involving Bubba. From years of after show visits, I have become very comfortable with bubba. I have been known to scratch his head will chatting with Jim at the end of an educational show. Recently DURING a show I did the same thing. While normally AFTER a show was closed to public what I was doing would not have been a problem and while Jim knew I had been paying attention to where i was rubbing, the average joe schmo would not be. Jim did reprimand me (and apologized later for it which made me laugh) for where i was petting Bubba. Jim NEVER ever is more than a few steps away when doing the demos. He is never out of eye sight of Bubba. I am amazed each year with bubba. I have watched him regularly when our booths were close. There is an Unreal bond between them. NOW that said. I would be more hesitant to be on the same level with bubba with out Jim. But to see people actually having the ability to touch a wonderful animal of bubbas magnitude is AMAZING. I am assuming everyone knows who bubba is but I will attach a few pics just in case. If you ever have the chance to come to the Chicago Herp Society's Reptile Fest, it is a wonderful experience. All educational. The CHS is a great group that is very into education. This years event will be the first weekend of April I believe. Bubba as always will be there.

And thinking about it. I wish I were a small child so I could have a bubba back ride, and when I have a child and they are around 4 i intend on seeing that they get the chance.

NOW had i been able to make it thru that cat house I may have seen bubba!
-----
Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

Have a look to another website to see, what seems to be possible with american alligators...but, i guess, only with them:
www.alligator-action-farm.de

Ralf