Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,
my nonprofit reptile rescue, Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, works with zoos that get a bunch of unwanted gator/croc calls every year. My reptile experience is with just about everything but crocodilians (except for petting a few) and our rescue generally just refers calls to more experienced owners who are not formally involved in rescue. So I have two questions for you.

1. If we decide to handle the gators/crocs at the rescue ourselves, what do we need to know about proper care and handling, and where do we go to learn it?

2. We're always trying to line up contacts for our rescue network. Where can we find more experienced gator/croc owners who would be interested in taking in more?

Thanks for your help - it will go a long way in helping the reptiles we deal with.

Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary

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Jesse Rothacker
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
"Find out how you can get involved in reptile rescue..."
www.forgottenfriend.org

There are a couple resources for you to look at. One is the Croc FAQ linked on this page (or it's at www.crocodilian.com). Another is purchasing Chris Dieter's book "The Ultimate Guide to Crocodilians in Captivity".
As with anything else, there is no substitute for experience and if you don't have it, and don't have access to someone who does, it's a difficult dilemma. If the gators are small, start out by handling them similar to how you would a lizard such as a monitor or Iguana. Although it certainly isn't the same, you have to start somewhere. For the larger ones (over 3 or 4 feet), be very careful - they can be extremely quick. This is even more true if you run into a caiman or a Nile croc (also in the pet trade).
It's very hard to give someone experience via a few paragraphs on an internet forum - just be careful be calculated about what you are doing.
Good luck with your rescue work, lord know there are plenty of animals out there that need it.

Bill

Thanks for the advice. I know you can't "learn to handle gators/crocs" over the internet, but any advice like that will sure help.

Reptile rescue can be a challenge, but its also a great cause that many people are glad to get involved in once it's organized for them a little. Hope to get more good advice on this topic from anyone who can lend some wisdom.

Find out how you can get involved in reptile rescue . . .
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary

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Jesse Rothacker
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
"Find out how you can get involved in reptile rescue..."
www.forgottenfriend.org

We're a reptile rescue also and when we can't take a crocodilian or other large reptile we call Colorado Gators. Ask for Jay, their number is 719-378-2612. Tell them Hart's Reptile World told you to call.
Good Luck
Mary Esther Hart

Hey,
I've actually been exploring the idea of doing a rescue over here in Columbus Ohio, for crocodilians only. While I only have a few years experience, I have studied up quite a bit and will be attending an AZA class on captive husbandry.

But, I have spoken with people that have worked at the Columbus Zoo, Animal Control and even the humane society that are seeing these guys literally left on their doorstep in boxes, big and small.

I won't always assume that all rumors are true, but I'm told that many of these are destroyed. Anyhow, if you guys are unable to accomodate any, I may be able to help.

Right now my facilities are somewhat limited, but I am eyeballing a few acres north of columbus, regardless of whether this remains just my croc obsession or a rescue project.

Besides, laws here in Ohio are next to non-existent so it makes for a great place to save/raise these guys.

Thx.
Greg