Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Have just heard that the great William Haast of the Miami Serpentarium passed away last night. My condolences to his family and all who knew and admired one of the greatest icons in the hobby. My childhood hero, one of the biggest influences on my life.

This is certainly a sad situation. However, you can't argue that Mr. Haast didn't live a long, and fulfilled life. Countless people can thank him for his dedication to put himself in harms way to provide the raw materials necessary for the production of antivenom. I've read that his own blood has been used to make antivenom.

If only we all could still be spry and mentally young at the ripe age of 100. Kind of makes you wonder if his SI had anything to do with it.

Thank you Mr. Haast for your service.
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Chance Duncan
Science Teacher, Herp Enthusiast, and Reptilian Conservation Proponent

Bill was not only an Icon in the Reptile World....
He was also an inspiration to myself and countless multitudes of other reptile enthusiasts, both the young and "not so young".

When I think back to my childhood...I still have etched in my memory the image of Bill, milking a King Cobra.
This image will remain carved in my mind for the rest of my life. Indelible Inspiration!

Rather than focus on the loss of a great figure in Herpetology, we should remember what he did for all of us. We should all do our best to emulate that same youthful pioneering spirit which Bill Haast possessed throughout his life. We should each focus on how we can individually and communally continue to improve herpetology as both a science and as a wonderful hobby.

Bill Haast will certainly be missed by all of us.
The greatest monument to his memory would be to continue to enthusiastically strive for new discovery and more understanding in Herpetology.

Thank you Bill Haast...for all the inspiration!

Sincerely,
Harlin Wall - WALL TO WALL REPTILES!
970-255-9255

I echo what Harlan said.
I grew up in Florida in the early fifties, and Bill Haast was one of my icons, along with Ross Allen. I wanted to be like them, the very early "Indiana Jones", daredevils etc. of the reptile world.
I am saddened, at his passing.

Randal Berry