Hi,
Why keep venomous snakes?
Simple, because I love all snakes!
I have been keeping and handling venomous snake as a professional and private keeper for over 25 years and in that time, I have never had to use tongs on wild caught or captive animals.
I also agree that you have to start young. You have to learn how to judge it's body language, they are all individuals and I have and have had taipans, eastern browns and rough-scaled snakes that could be handled like a blindsnake and others that are just the opposite, trying to bite as soon as you open the cage.
But if you are scared of them , It's simple,keep away from them.
In regards to the Australian Venom Zoo. We have had only five reptiles die in three years.
There were a few teething problems in the beginning...
All of the animals are vet inspected on arrival and monthly thereafter. Andrew our vet. is provided with faecal samples regulary. We have recently hire new staff who are reptile specialists and have extensive experience with venomous animals. Big plans are in the pipeline. As mentioned there were some early problems, but we are on track. Next time your up in Kuranda, drop in and I 'll give you a look behind the scenes.I think you find things a bit different.
Brian Starkey
Australian Venom Zoo
Why keep venomous snakes?
Simple, because I love all snakes!
I have been keeping and handling venomous snake as a professional and private keeper for over 25 years and in that time, I have never had to use tongs on wild caught or captive animals.
I also agree that you have to start young. You have to learn how to judge it's body language, they are all individuals and I have and have had taipans, eastern browns and rough-scaled snakes that could be handled like a blindsnake and others that are just the opposite, trying to bite as soon as you open the cage.
But if you are scared of them , It's simple,keep away from them.
In regards to the Australian Venom Zoo. We have had only five reptiles die in three years.
There were a few teething problems in the beginning...
All of the animals are vet inspected on arrival and monthly thereafter. Andrew our vet. is provided with faecal samples regulary. We have recently hire new staff who are reptile specialists and have extensive experience with venomous animals. Big plans are in the pipeline. As mentioned there were some early problems, but we are on track. Next time your up in Kuranda, drop in and I 'll give you a look behind the scenes.I think you find things a bit different.
Brian Starkey
Australian Venom Zoo