Reptile & Amphibian Forums

where is the nearest location to connecticut that has a puff adder?

sorry couldn't resist.

that is pretty funny!

The Bronx Zoo in New York has a fine reptile collection. I would be amazed if they did not have all the Bitis on display.

~~Greg~~

Hey Greg:

They only have Gabbys on display. Actually zoo's have very few have Puff adders on display. Gabbys & Rhinos mostly.

Best,
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Al

You can take the animal out of the jungle but you can never take the jungle out of the animal.

I used to keep all 3 of the large Bitis on display when I worked in the trade. Nasicornis are a bit of a pain, but do-able.

~~Greg~~

...even getting rid of much of their surplus.

I'm not really surprised they don't have puff adders. Relative to gaboons and rhinos, puffs are much more drab and not a "wow" serpent thats as impressive in appearance for the average John Q. Public to see.

Now, San Diego Zoo had a puff that was enormous about 6 years ago when I was there. Alot of the snakes at Balboa Park appeared over fed.

I can't think of a single zoo in the East that has Puffs on display. Space is at a premium in most zoos, and since Puffs aren't a real popular viewing animal for the general public, they just don't keep them.

From what I understand, Zoo Atlanta has lost it's Senior Keepers in the last couple of years, so they are downsizing their venomous collection, too. I think they've already gotten rid of their Taipans and are probably going to get rid of their Mambas and all of the big fast Elapids. Not because of space restrictions, but because they don't have anyone experienced enough to handle them. It's a shame, but there's always been a problem with keeping really experienced keepers at many zoos. They just don't pay enough. If you think about it, they require (in most cases) at least a BS in Biology/Zoology, they are required to possess skills and experience that less that 1/10th of 1% of the population of the U.S. possesses, and they usually get paid less than a Wal-Mart assistant manager.
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We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Ralph Waldo Emerson

I've had zoos waffle back and forth on whether or not to acquire Bothrops spp. from me due to concerns over their staff's experience. THe pay scale difference is reason #1 why I switched majors in college during my freshman year from Biology to Nuclear Engineering.

At least, now, I can afford to go to Costa Rica a few times a year, and serendipity has taken me to see some neat stuff, like the crocodiles while working at Turkey Point in Florida.

It's sad, because the pay just doesn't cut it for keepers, yet, you see these TV guys getting paid by Discovery,AP, and they're no more experienced than some of the best keepers in zoos. (Though, let's not forget, there are some pretty darn good private keepers out there).

MCH
www.matabuey.com

Here another job posting for less than you can get at McDonald...McDonalds is a safer place to work.

The St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is currently seeking an individual to fill a Zookeeper I position in the reptile department. The successful candidate for this animal care position needs to be motivated, energetic, and a team-oriented individual. Responsibilities include providing daily husbandry, enrichment, training, observation, exhibit maintenance, and record keeping for the animals in the department. Ability to work with venomous reptiles and large crocodilians required. The keeper will also serve as a member of the show staff, performing educational presentations for the general public. Candidates with a degree in biology or a related field or with experience in an AZA institution will be given preference. Starting salary is $7.50/hr plus benefits.
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You can take the animal out of the jungle but you can never take the jungle out of the animal.

The Fort Worth Zoo recently had an opening for an experienced person to run the herp collection. $11 bucks an hour! Hardly the incentive to move to Fort Worth.

Hi Guys:

Zoo Atlanta as of July still had the Mambas and a pair of Bushmasters on exhibit. No taipans on exhibit for the part few years. The Ft. Worth Zoo, John Mehrtens old collection, is still in very good shape. That is the only zoo to exhibit all three Bitis as of spring this year. It still is a very good collection one of the best seen for a generic zoo.

Like Matt, I changed my major fromm Zoology to Biomedical Engineering, so I can have my cake and eat it too. As a byproduct of my job I've traveled the world herping on somebody elses dime as well as being able to visit most of the Zoos in the world.
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Al

You can take the animal out of the jungle but you can never take the jungle out of the animal.

Al, you're gonna love the Tres Leches cake they make in Costa Rica....it's sooooo good. THe best desert down there.

Matt

Hmmmm... I was looking forward to "Bar con chicas" for the main course. Need to teach Joe a few basic things but desert sound good too.

Al
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Al

You can take the animal out of the jungle but you can never take the jungle out of the animal.

I thought rum was your favorite dessert when you were in Costa Rica? Or is that just for catching crocs?.......lol
When are you going this year?

We're going back to the Osa/Corcovado for a few days, then off to another lodge. Don't know yet...depends on who's going. Also, I don't know exactly, if we are doing any croc censusing prior to the herp trip...so I may be going alone in Feb, then a group trip in May, and maybe by myself again in July/August, though I'd like to go to Peru with Dick Bartlett in December.

This will illistrate how poorly Herp keepers are payed. This zoo that I mentioned in a previous post has one of the nicest reptile collections I've seen in a major zoo. Ha! You can almost make what their offering at McDonalds!!

Found this on the AZA job site:

The Fort Worth Zoo has an open position in its herpetology department that includes nearly 200 reptile and amphibian species. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing animal care, monitoring animal health, keeping accurate records, maintaining cleanliness of animal areas, propagation, interaction with Zoo visitors and exhibit modification and design. Position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree in a biological field is preferred, but not mandatory. Two-years zoo keeping experience with reptiles and amphibians, including venomous species required. Good communication/organizational skills and the ability to work well with others in a team environment is a must. Candidate should be able to lift 50 pounds; this position may require other physical demands such as bending, stretching, climbing, etc.; working in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.). Starting salary $11.00 plus benefits. Position is open until filled. Interested applicnats should forward resume to: Human Resources Department Fort Worth Zoo
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Al

You can take the animal out of the jungle but you can never take the jungle out of the animal.

i work in san diego and have worked with some senior vets from san diego zoo. They recently lost a vet that had been there for 5 years and in the industry as a DVM for 15 years to a small 2 doctor private practice...the reason, even after all that experiance they pay crap. BUT, the up side is you are doing what you love. The zoo worker is in a labour of love, not financial gain. A burger flipper does make more than your average keeper, but the last time i checked, Mc Donalds was a business and the AZA zoo's are non-profit. On the flip side (hehe), how many Mcdonalds workers do you see handling dendroaspis? Think 10 years down the line. Your resume says "punctual, hard working. References... Ronald Mc Donald.".
No one says it is easy. You want to work with decent hots and really earn nothing, go to south africa and make R2000 a month ($333 a month), and you have to sign a disclaimer about the venomous bites, that if you get bitten, you take full responsibilty. And you know what, people still do it, you know why, because it is what we love.
Cheers, don