Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone out there have any facts or insights concerning Clyde Peeling's Reptiland other than what can be found on the web?
Thanx,
creep

Like what exactly? He's been around forever, one of the few private serpentariums to actually succeed and become AZA accredited. The handful of zoo professionals I've spoken with regard Clyde with high esteem in the reptile world.

I'm amazed at what they do with a very limited budget and NO tax dollars like the city zoos get. I am biased though, as Clyde has written some very nice letters of recommendation for me (including the one for obtaining the Eastern massasauga).

Matt

He has quite a large reptilian exhibit, but I am a bit alarmed at the relative close quarters that he has help working hot snakes in. ex- a red spitter in a 35 gallon tank top opening. pair of timber rattlesnake same type of top opening enclosure. Hell they were striking at the screening while the help was opening in, I mean sinking fangs through the screen--thats alittle too small for my blood. A mature Green Mamba in a 50 gallon aboreal enclosure, top opening, small----space= life always. BUT aside form that was a totally enjoyable experience. I did mention that to Mr. Pellings and he said he also thoght was too small and was looking to get larger enclosures in the future, whether that happened, I don't know.
Barry

How long ago was that Barry? They've since remodeled the entire facility and I don't believe there are any aquariums used for the animals. They custom mold fiberglass enclosures.

Yeah, 35 gal tanks for green mambas were cramped, but then I again, I saw some pretty good handlers work with them too. we had greens in 30 gallon tanks in Catskill. Same for the red-spitters....and I had more reptile "experts" tell us how that was too dangerous, yet...we never had a problem. Again, it shows that if you have the handling skills, it can be done safely.

The timbers ALWAYS stuck at the lids...and I've said it once and I'll say it again, captive timbers, in my experience have always been far more dangerous to work with than captive atrox. Even the ones I own now, want to kill me. Wild timbers and captive-borns are like Jekyll and Hyde.

MH

I'd have to agree wih Matt, I didn't see any red spitters in aquarium style enclosures. As a matter of fact, I didn't see any of that sort of caging, and I was just there on Sat. for a tour of the establishment. Also, the displays were immaculate, not just for the public, but behind the scenes as well.
creep