Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I read the articles that Wes posts on many of the forums. Usually for the ones where some moron accidentally turned their animals loose or something of the sort, you usually get some cocky dork yelling that these animals shouldnt be kept and they should be kept in a zoo setting. Much like the case of the issue where an asian water monitor got loose. They said that the animals require special lighting and heating in order to for the animal to thrive (duh). Is there any difference in the type lighting bulbs and heating elements that are provided in zoos compared to private availability? Do these zoos have special systems set up in each and every vivarium/enclosure that makes their care MUCH more elite? I am just curious as to what zoos have to offer (besides the obvious conservation and education reasons) that the private keepers don't or can't provide? Any ideas or info to help me understand this?

Your ideas and help are much appreciated.

Best Wishes,

Chris

the only thing i can see zoos providing better than regular people is attention, most people have jobs at the zoo that is their job, this can be a flaw though it may just be a job for them but its a love for most of the turtle people. but i doubt they have any special "toys" we dont but they might.
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1.5 Common Mud Turtles
0.0.2 R.E.S.
0.0.1 Map Turtle
1.2 Russian Tortoises
0.1.1 Gulfcost/Three Toed Boxturtles
0.1 Eastern Box Turtle
1.0 Hamsters
3.0 Dogs
2.3 Family

Well zoos do have a slight edge over the everyday reptile keeper. Most zoos, not all, have very large and elaborate enclosures for their animals. This is obviously a plus. As far as food and lighting goes though, I dont believe they do. I have actually seen many zoos using the murcury vapor (UVB) bulbs. You also must take into consideration not all people with reptiles care for their animals properly. And that gives us, the true reptile enthusiasts a bad rap.
Chris
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0.1 Red Eared Slider, 1.0 Common Snapper, 1.0 Bearded Dragon and a 55gal Native Fish Tank with a 6in LM Bass, 3 Crawdads and a Pleco.
I use to have a collection of Leopard Geckos that I bred, but have sold them.

One thing zoos have is a huge amount of room. Some species, for example adult aligators, are practically impossible for the hobbyist to keep and maintain safely.
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A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.

Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 1999
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04
1 common musk turtle hatchling

Well I will agree on room to a point, however, it has been proven (perhaps for turtles it has) that all animals aren't even properly cared for in zoos.

I agree that crocodilians are hard to keep and maintain safely, however, "practically impossible" is a bit harsh. It depends on where you live. Southern states have it easy. Northern states (like me) have it a bit rougher due to needing indoor enclosures through most of the year. The only experience that is primarily needed is just like most of any other animals. You need to know temps and humidity ranges as well as proper diet. You also have to know how to manage the animals and maneuver them when necessary.
I am a crocodilian keeper myself, I find it very challenging. However, with enough committment, experience and knowledge, you can safely and properly maintain just about ANY animal and I do stess "just about", there are some exceptions (elephants, giraffes, etc.).

Thanks for the replies, they were much appreciated

Best Wishes,

chris

>>One thing zoos have is a huge amount of room. Some species, for example adult aligators, are practically impossible for the hobbyist to keep and maintain safely.
>>-----
>>A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.
>>
>>Mom to:
>>
>>1 little boy born 7/19/04
>>2 male RES, born 1999
>>1 ribbon snake, age unknown
>>3 FBT, ages unknown
>>1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
>>1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
>>1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04
>>1 common musk turtle hatchling
>>
>>

One of the major advantages for animals held at a Zoo is access to trained vet care. Most of the major Zoos have more than one vet on staff as well as trained vet techs. This means that the animals have ready access to 24 hour vet care as needed.

In accrediated and/or properly run Zoos animals are not aquired unless there are provisions to house them long term or something is already in place for the animal if the intent is not to exhibit them long term (such as housing being available at another institution).

At this time, there are no restrictions in the non-Zoo sector to deal with long term housing resulting in a large number of unwanted animals being abandoned/dumped or housed improperly. Improperly housed animals can escape or be injured by the housing and this creates a bad image for the private sector allowing creating the image that certain animal should only be kept by qualified individuals/institutions. The Zoos and govermental agencies often get behind these measures as they are often the ones who have to deal with the animals after the fact (escapes/abandonements/confiscations) often at a significant expense that is not recoverable.
I am aware that at one Zoo a 5 foot spectacled caimen was tossed over the fence into a pond that housed rare waterfowl and the caimen proceeded to eat the waterfowl before it was discovered in the enclosure several days later when it came out of the water to bask. As near as they can tell the caimen was thrown over the fence at night...
At the same Zoo, they have had iguanas, various cooters and sliders, and a golden tegu thrown over the fence/abandoned on grounds in the last few years..

Some comments,

Ed

I was looking up at this big FLy River tank at LA Zoo and they use plain UV BULBS! The tank was grea looking, but the lighting was not UVB specific! It was just some UV light you'd stick over a fish tank.

so much for specialised care in a ZOO SETTING!

LA Zoo ain't that great anyways.

San Diego..that's a zoo.