Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It is interesting you are on this forum. I was wondering what interest you have in Crotaphytus or lizards in general? Do you keep any or work with any at the aquarium. Does the Dallas World Aquarium have and display any lizards in their collection? It might be a cool place to visit. Tell us a little about it.
Tom

Hi Tom,

The Dallas World Aquarium is a private, AZA accredited zoological institution dedicated to conservation, research, and education. This state-of-the-art facility concentrates on the biodiversity of some of the most amazing biomes in the world. The original exhibit, built some 10 years ago, features a replica of the Venezuelan rainforest. As you enter the museum, you are presented with one of the best representations of a South American jungle. Most of our collection is able to roam free in this thick forest. As you walk through, you can see the largest collection of toucans flying above you, howler monkeys, giant river otters, Orinoco crocodiles, anacondas, poison dart frogs, tropical tortoises and turtles, arachnids, tamarins, and a variety of amazing freshwater fish such as several species of stingrays, electric eels, arowanas, cichlids, piranhas, and more. The aquarium also features tanks representing places such as Palau, Solomon Islands, Bahamas, Fiji, Indonesia, and a 200, 000 gallon river exhibit titled "Orinoco: Secrets of The River." In this, the only pair of Antillian manatees in the country swim along with red-tail catfish, arapaimas, turtles, and water fowl.

The best part of all is that we will be opening a new, multimillion dollar expansion in a few weeks. As a matter of fact, we received our first 3 Bull sharks today. This exhibit is a building that is a bit larger than the Venezuelan exhibit, and it will feature a "cenote" from Mexico. Titled "Mundo Maya," the exhibit will focus on the animals that live in southern Mexico and Central America: Jaguars, hummingbirds, venomous snakes, flamingos, eagles, many amphibians, morelet's crocodiles, sea turtles, and the list goes on. The best attraction will be a 400, 000 gallon "tunnel" exhibit which (now) houses the sharks we received today. Again, the exhibit will open at the end of the summer, and will be connected to the "Orinoco" exhibit.

Go to the website if you get a chance. But even better, drop me a line if you're even in Dallas, I'll show you around.

But you asked why my interest in Crotaphytus? Well, my interest involves all reptiles and amphibians, but my passion is for lizards, especially those of the family chamaeleonidae. Unfortunately, we do not exhibit North American species at the aquarium, and although I have kept a number of Crotaphytids for a few years, I am only now getting to a point where I can focus more on them. Chameleons have kept me busy all this time. Although I have extensive experience working with saurians, I am by no means an expert on collared: that is why I am here. Their genetic (and morphological) diversity make them a perfect subject for study; but not only that, they are one of the most interesting lizards I have ever had the pleasure with which to work. All in all, I am a lizard freak!

Hopefully I will have more time to go out in the field and observe them in their natural habitat; perhaps when Mundo Maya opens I will. In the meantime, I'll enjoy them at home!

Anyway, you guys know your stuff, and I have a lot more to learn about these incredible gems. Lookign forward to it...

Regards,

Fabian

Thank you for sharing all that, wow,Sounds just Amazing, if I'm ever in Dallas I would love to see it.

I would have been estatic, to have worked in an atmosphere like that. Must be a pleasure each day to be a part of it all.

Good Luck, and thanks for the site too!

Yes please stay with us all and enjoy the magnificent and diverse Crotaphytus!

Glad to have you!

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Eve