Prehistoric Pets has been a family owned business for many years and all the associate have also become like a family.  You have been introduced to old and new faces throughout the years.  Today we bring you newest newbie face, Michelle Rodruiguez!

Michelle has been interested in reptiles pretty much her entire life, but in the past 2 or 3 years she picked up the hobby seriously.  Now proud owners of SEVERAL reptiles, Michelle and her children have their own reptile zoo at home!  With 2 Ball Pythons "Vixen" and "Kazaz", a Crested Gecko "Lola", a Beardie "Firecracker" and a Tarantula named "Freak", Michelle is definitely experienced with all sorts of different reptile species.   She says some of her favorite reptiles are Ball Pythons and Dum's, which is also where she says her expertise, is based.  Michelle also shared with us her ABSOLUTE favorite reptile EVER, the Gaboon Vipers!  When asked what was it that made her so interested in THAT particular snake, she replied, "They're pattern is SO gorgeous and they have the highest venom yield of any venomous snake in the world!.... It's so intriguing to see such a beautiful and powerfully venomous snake."  Nice choice there Michelle =D.

Michelle plays "Mimic" with our baby Anaconda <3  "GGRRAAWWRRR"

Here at Prehistoric Pets, Michelle is one of the many bright faces you see caring for all our retail animals and assisting customers through the store.  “Being able to help and educate new and experienced herpers is one of my favorite things” she said when asked about what she enjoys most when working at Prehistoric Pets.   She specializes in ball pythons and Dum's and hopes to own more reptiles in the future.  On top of being a great new employee, Michelle keeps up spirits here at the shop.  Our official “Mother Hen” can smell a bad mood a mile away and crushes it with a joke and a hug X-D.  Welcome to the Family Michelle! 

^O^…………Priscilla

In several of the documents relating to the addition of several species of snakes to the Lacey Act the assumption is made that during the periods of public comment very few responses were received, and those that were received were carefully considered.

Question 12:  What prompted the reopening of the public comment period of the proposed rule to list the Indian (Burmese) python and eight other large constrictor snakes as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act?

Answer:   In response to a number of requests from stakeholders, the Service granted an additional 30 days for the public comment period on the proposed rule for a total of 90 days.  

Question 13:  How many public comments did the Service receive? 

Answer:  The Service received about 56,500 comments for the proposed rule.  The public can view these comments at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015.  A final determination was made after a comprehensive review of the scientific data and the information contained in comments submitted by the public and peer reviewers

 

http://www.fws.gov/home/feature/2012/pdfs/FoursnakesQsAs11612.pdf

 

Here at Prehistoric Pets we believe it is the duty of those in office to protect the rights and wishes of their constituents and the duty of those constituents to get involved and carry an open discussion with their elected officials.

This is why we have stayed constantly involved in the discussion emailing, calling, and scheduling meetings with our representatives. Today’s blog includes our letter to Senator Feinstein and Senator Boxer explaining our concerns for this legislation. We did not receive the response we had wished for, but at least our voice was heard.

Senator Boxer / Senator Feinstein ,

 

My name is Jay Brewer. I live and work in Orange County, Ca., actually for the past 22 years I have run and operated my small business, Prehistoric Pets.  I emailed you a bit early about setting up a one on one meeting regarding S 373. Below I have included some information on myself, my business, and my concerns for this bill. If we don't get a chance to meet I would appreciate if you could at least understand my stance on this subject and why this cause is so important.

When I opened Prehistoric Pets, as Pet Country, in 1988 the store focused on providing quality pets and service to our customers. As our stock of exotic reptiles grew we had the opportunity to expand first into a 5000 sq ft location in 1992, and then expand again in 2000. Our inventive set-up was the first of its kind, which I designed to create a zoo-like atmosphere with the philosophy“build it and they will come.” This philosophy proved correct and new customers started visiting the store to observe exotic reptiles, which are not displayed at even the largest of zoos.

This collection of specialized and rare reptiles also set PrehistoricPets.com apart, as a large online provider of quality reptiles. Demand for a new variety of high-end reptiles led to an increase of specialty breeding projects behind the scenes at our Fountain Valley location. These online sales, exported around the world and throughout the US, quickly became a very successful and large source of income for Prehistoric Pets. In 1995, we also began promoting our party business, Jurassic Parties, which proved very successful. Through Jurassic Parties we were able to educate the public at both schools and private events about reptiles using hands-on interaction with reptiles these children would have otherwise only read about in science books , to this day we have provided over 12,000 of these educational presentations across Southern California. These two factors combined allowed the 2000 expansion to its current size of 10,000 sq ft, with the most zoo-like experience over doubling our location size and producing a banner year in 2005.

As owner I have used difficult economic periods as a time to find a new niches Prehistoric Pets could settle into. From a 2000 gallon pond in the middle of the store, filled with Giant tropical fish to the displays exhibiting thousands of exotic reptiles of all sizes, Prehistoric Pets is a zoo. Over the summer we converted half of our location into a paid admission zoo, The Reptile Zoo, that serves as an educational center involving hands-on interaction with various types of reptiles. The support from customers, especially mothers, has been overwhelming. They love The Reptile Zoo and Prehistoric Pets as a destination for low price high benefit education entertainment for their children.

Unfortunately S 373 threatens to obliterate my passion and the business I have put my heart and soul into for the past 25 years also destroy an education resource for thousands of families throughout Orange and Los Angeles County without solving the problem it seeks to correct in South Florida.

As I had mentioned before along with running our 10,000 sq ft reptile zoo we are also one of the premiere breeders of Reticulated Pythons , honestly, in the world. We focus in the breeding of specialty "morphs", or color and pattern variations, that are completely impossible in the wild. With 25 years of this specialized breeding I have grown quite a stock in captive bred animals, making it extremely rare to ever import an animal from the wild.

Here in California we enjoy rather wonderful weather, but the majority of the United States is not as privileged with average temperatures in the high sixties. But even in such a warm weather I must spend thousands of dollars monthly to provide specialized heating for every single one of my snakes. You must understand, especially in these tough economic times, I would love to cut costs and stop paying for this heat but without it my animals would quickly catch colds, yes they can catch colds just like people, and sadly die. The same is true for breeders and reptile owners across the country that spend millions of dollars every year to provide specialized environments and care for our animals that would not be able to survive without our support. The reason it would be so impossible for these animals to survive even with balmy day temperatures of 60-80 degrees here in Southern California is their absolute reliance on surrounding temperatures. Snakes are cold blooded, which means unlike humans they cannot raise their own body temperature. Though they might enjoy the warm temperatures during the day with the extreme drop in temperature each night these snakes wouldn’t be able to bring their body temperature back up to a safe level, resulting in as I mentioned before severe colds and a quick death.

Another issue I see with this bill is regarding the actual "invasive threat" of these pythons and boas. Boas have lived in Mexico from the beginning of time and have not crossed the border or been cause for worry regarding infestation or destruction of wildlife... and even Burmese pythons have been in the Everglades for the last twenty something years without moving far north let alone the entire US. When you look at any study of the natural habitat of these pythons then follow the latitude line to where it crosses the United States you will find highest range these pythons can survive crosses into only a small section of Florida and nowhere else in the United States. If there is a problem in Florida it should be a state level with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee, as it currently is.

Thank you so much for hearing me out. I look forward to the opportunity to talk with you face to face in the very near future.

How was your voice heard? Have you contacted your representatives? Were you able to schedule an appointment to meet with one of their staff? What was their response?

Prehistoric Pets has worked closely with schools, churches and programs of all sorts to bring fun and first time experiences to the lives of children in our community.  From hosting parties for schools and scouts, to sponsoring teams and kids in special programs, we have had years of experience with giving back to our young ones!  Just recently, Prehistoric Pets/ The Reptile Zoo/ Jurassic Parties decided to sponsor the Boys Varsity soccer team from Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale, CA and had them visit the shop and Zoo after their last CIF playoff game this week.

The Environmental Charter School (ECS) is a school unlike our traditional public schools; in fact, it’s a free public charter school that operates independent of a traditional school district.  “The mission of Environmental Charter High School is to inspire students to discover their own sense of purpose, to equip all students with the knowledge and skills to graduate from college and to empower them to become quality stewards of their community and world.” quotes the home site for ECS.  On top of their challenging programs, students are required to use concepts and skills learned in class to problem-solve local civic and environmental matters, and take action to make an impact.   ECS extends learning beyond the classroom walls as they complete community service, participate in service learning projects, join outdoor education field trips, and are encouraged to take internships.  This is just a few of the things that make ECS so wonderful and unique, visit their website for more information!

The boys came in and visited us for the first time just this past weekend; they got to meet Frank, Twinkie, Willy and many more as they cruised thru the Zoo corridors and stopped by the photo booth to hold some cool reptiles!  They were accompanied by their coach and our fellow staffer, Daniel Pask who has been coaching the almost 20 member team for the entire season.  Some of the boys were psyched to check out the animals in the zoo while a few were ducking under their friends for cover from the “scurry snakey-do”! hee hee =P.  Thanks to our sponsorship, the team was able to afford NEW home and away jerseys! Congrats guys!   Visit our homepage for info on how YOU can become part of the Prehistoric Pets team!

Daniel and the Boys Varisty Soccer team for ECHS pose with a Burmese Python and Sulcata tortoise

Congratulations on making it to CIF playoff’s boys and thank you for visiting our store!  We look forward to more involvement in future programs and events for our community. 

Ciao!

^O^........Priscilla

Hey there reptile lovers!  Today's edition of the Reptile Zoo blog is featuring our Prehistoric Pet of the Week, the Iguana, which is luckily for SALE! =D  Maybe you've spotted one along the beach being escorted around via leash or one hanging off the shoulder of a passer-by.  It's hard NOT to spot 7 feet of bright lizard stomping down the walk!  Ever want to own one of these majestic creatures?  Well now Prehistoric Pets makes it EASY as pie!   MmmmMMmm Piieee... ^o^... Oops!  Sorry, I went to la la land for a second hee hee ;P.

This beautiful female Cuban Iguana has the temperament of a shy lizard Queen, do what she asks and she'll be good to you, after she's warmed up to you of course =P.  She's the boss of her cage and demands to be held proper and often, making her one of the sweetest Cuban Iguana's I’ve come into contact with. Cuban Iguanas are the largest of the West Indian rock iguanas and one of the most endangered groups of lizards. This herbivorous species has red eyes, a thick tail, and spiked jowls.  Aint she a beauty...

More commonly recognized is the Green Iguana.  It grows to 4.9 ft in length from head to tail, although a few specimens have grown more than 6.6 ft with bodyweights upward of 20 pounds!  Green Iguanas are arboreal, and are often found near water. Agile climbers, they can fall up to 50 feet and land unhurt (iguanas use their hind leg claws to clasp leaves and branches to break a fall)o.O! During cold, wet icky weather, green iguanas prefer to stay on the ground for better warmth. Pretty smart huh?

Juvi Green Iguana

When swimming, an iguana remains underwater, letting its four legs hang limply against its side. They thrust through the water with powerful tail strokes and possess a row of spines along their backs and tails which helps to protect them from predators.  Their whip-like tails can be used to give painful strikes and like many other lizards, when grabbed by the tail, the iguana can allow it to break, so it can escape and eventually restore a new one!  Green Iguanas have excellent vision, allowing them to sense shapes and motions at long distances. As Green Iguanas have only a few Rod cells, they have poor vision in low-light.  At the same time, they have cells called “double cone cells” that give them sharp color vision and let them to see ultraviolet wavelengths. That's what I call a SUPEReptile =P

Green Iguana

So no matter what the size, gender or color choice, Prehistoric Pets has the answer and reptile for YOU!  Check out our homepage by scrolling to the top of the page and clicking the Prehistoric Pets tab for quick and easy search options.  There you can inquire and keep updated on any available or soon to be available reptiles. 

^O^.......Priscilla

Ahh, Love is in the air here at Prehistoric Pets/ The Reptile Zoo.  Our reptile friends are snuggled up with their companions celebrating the holiday spirit with us.  What are YOU doing this Valentine’s Day?  Need last minute gift or date ideas?  Why not take your sweetheart HERE and share your special day with US!  Buy feeders for your pet, fossils for your sweetheart or something cool for yourself, either way, it’s a sure to please gift idea for this Valentine’s Day.

We’re loaded from wall to wall with all types of offers from reptiles with starter kits, toys, apparel, fossils and gems!  Men and women can find something neat to take home to someone special in your life, old or young.  Already we have sold several of our Valentine’s Day exclusive fossils, gems and jewelry, and have had tons of families and ‘twitterpated’ couples hover about the Zoo.  Seems like just about everyone is in the LoVe MoOd ;D…

Make a legendary story to beat all Valentine’s Day gifts to come and take home a new pet fully set up in a starter kit, maybe even stick one of our cute heart shaped Ammonite fossil jewelry boxes inside hiding a secret gift keychain, necklace or ring!  Don’t take my word and my awesomely cute pictures for it, just swing on by Prehistoric Pets and see for yourself!  Heck, while you’re at it, stop in The Reptile Zoo and share the love with all our happy reptile couples. =D

Hee hee!  Suave.... very suave.  Don't let these cute little reptiles out shine YOUR Valentine's day ideas, HURRY IN NOW AND PICK UP SOMETHING UNIQUE AND EXTRA SPECIAL FOR YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE! <3  We've got it ALL!

Til next time guys!  Ciao!

^O^.......Priscilla

Prehistoric Pets has long worked with a wide variety of species of large constrictors, over a span of many years. During that time, we have come to an intimate understanding of the animals we have worked with, their temperature and environmental needs, personalities, reproductive and feeding capabilities. With this background and some additional research it becomes clear the animals recently added to the Lacey act are neither capable of living outside of their current establishment in the Everglades or pose a reasonable threat to humans.

We’ve compiled just some of the facts we’ve found within the documentation supposedly backing this faulty legislation. We urge you to read these excerpts, examine the sources and develop your own opinion on the subject, but please please do not rely on sensationalized images and articles with an underlying agenda. Today we will cover the expandability argument that is so often pushed to the background. Although the number of species was limited from 9 to 4 these articles show a clear direction.

 

 

PRECEDENT ARGUMENT

==============================================================================================

Question 6:  One of the pet industry’s concerns is:  If the government can restrict the movement of these species, it could also do it for other species that people hold as pets. 

This could set a precedent.  What do you say to that?

Since its enactment in 1900, the Lacey Act has authorized the federal government to prohibit the importation and transport of certain, harmful species in the United States.  Both Congress and the Administration, have restricted the importation and interstate movement of species or groups of species involved in the pet trade. 

This rule sets no broad policy precedent; it is consistent with similar Administration rules under the Lacey Act and Congressional amendments to the Lacey Act.   It is promulgated under the statutory parameters and restrictions imposed by the Lacey Act and other statutes relevant to the federal promulgation of Administrative law, including both its scope and the policy issue it addresses.

[2 Paragraphs Above] The Service is continuing to consider the status of the other five species and will publish final determinations for those species when that process is completed. 

http://www.fws.gov/home/feature/2012/pdfs/FoursnakesQsAs11612.pdf

===============================================================================

Environmental groups say the rule is a small but important step toward preventing entry of animal imports that pose significant risks to ecosystems and public safety.

“This listing is one step toward limiting the massive flow of harmful species into this country, but the current listing approach doesn’t even come close to keeping up with the 21st century trade of live animals.” “We are urging Congress and the Administration to advance broader regulatory reforms of the injurious species listing process.”

-Peter Jenkins spokesperson for the National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species (NECIS)

http://www.necis.net/2012/01/obama-administration-releases-rule-to-prohibit-import-of-some-large-constrictor-snakes/

===============================================================================

Salazar Announces Ban on Importation and Interstate Transportation of Four Giant Snakes that Threaten Everglades

Ashe said the Service will continue to consider listing as injurious the five other species of nonnative snakes that the agency also proposed in 2010 – the reticulated python, boa constrictor, DeSchauensee’s anaconda, green anaconda and Beni anaconda.

http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Salazar-Announces-Ban-on-Importation-and-Interstate-Transportation-of-Four-Giant-Snakes-that-Threaten-Everglades.cfm

===============================================================================

 

A man asks the waiter, "Do you serve frogs in this restaurant?"   Waiter replies, "Of course we do, Sir."   Then the man takes a frog out of his pocket and says, "Good, my frog wants some soup!" BBAAH HAHAHAHA!!!  Okay, okay, I’ll knock off the nonsensicalness and get back to the subject at hand, FROGGIES!!  Yup, that goofy smile that just spread across your face is the reason why your favorite amphibians are this week’s HOT DEAL!!! We’ve got some cutie-patootie Whites Tree Frogs on special WITH a starter kit purchase.

Starter Kit: Includes EVERYTHING you need! (YES even the Frog!)

Easy to maintain and handle, these perfect beginner and expert level pets are hopping right off the shelves and into their new cozy homes.  Our amazing money saving deal on the starter kit set includes: Cage, Thermometer, Water Bowl, Branch, Vine, Bark and even FREE admission to The Reptile Zoo for a day!  No wonder why we can’t keep these in stock very long, THAT’S a DEAL!  Whether you’re buying your child a new pet or surprising your Valentine, it’s a sure win. ;)

Look at their cute little faces!!!

Don’t forget to pick up a tub of crickets when you pick out your new squishy friend and check out our selection of books on these special creatures to learn more about care and handling.  Of course we have a plethora of extra accessories and features for your frog habitat if you’re interested in “spicing” up your froggy flat!  Visit the store today and see what we have in store BEFORE were all sold out!!  =)

Every week we will be posting blogs exclusive to our new deals on pets and accessories, so make sure to keep updated with new posts, it’ll save you lots of CHA-CHING! =P.  Happy Days!

^O^………….Priscilla

Prehistoric Pets has long worked with a wide variety of species of large constrictors, over a span of many years. During that time, we have come to an intimate understanding of the animals we have worked with, their temperature and environmental needs, personalities, reproductive and feeding capabilities. With this background and some additional research it becomes clear the animals recently added to the Lacey act are neither capable of living outside of their current establishment in the Everglades or pose a reasonable threat to humans.

We’ve compiled just some of the facts we’ve found within the documentation supposedly backing this faulty legislation. We urge you to read these excerpts, examine the sources and develop your own opinion on the subject, but please please do not rely on sensationalized images and articles with an underlying agenda. Today we will cover the pet argument that is so often misconstrued and sensationalized by feeding off of fear instead of the thousands of happy reptile owning families.

photo credit Mali Workman

 

PET OWNERSHIP ARGUMENT

====================================================================================

Claim: "The HSUS opposes ownership of all reptiles." [Status: True]

For those reasons, HSUS [Humane Society of the United States] opposes private ownership of endangered species, undomesticated animals, and all reptiles.

http://humanewatch.info/blog/myths/myth-exotic/

====================================================================================

Along the same lines, HSUS discourages keeping parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and toucans because they are not longstanding domesticated species. They do not oppose ownership of all birds.

[2 Paragraphs Below]

As stated before, HSUS supports ownership of hamsters, ferrets, cockatoos, guinea pigs, gerbils, lovebirds -- all of which HSUS opponents have falsely claimed HSUS is trying to ban.

http://humanewatch.info/blog/myths/myth-exotic/

====================================================================================

Claim: "The HSUS wants to outlaw ownership of all non-native species." Status: False

 http://humanewatch.info/blog/myths/myth-exotic/

H.R.669 - Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act To prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or other animal species' or human health, and for other purposes.

Organizations Supporting H.R.669 • National Wildlife Federation • Nature Conservancy • great lakes united • natural areas association • Union of Concerned Scientists • Humane Society of the United States

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h669/show

Our organizations, representing millions of constituents across the country, come together in support of H.R. 669, the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act. We applaud Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo for her leadership in introducing this bill, and express our appreciation to the 25 current cosponsors.

http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/exotics/hr_669_statement_042309.pdf ====================================================================================

Solving Problems with Snakes

Snakes cause few problems, and the few they do are relatively benign. Some of the larger species may cause problems around poultry houses, occasionally taking chicks or eggs, but—except for the venomous species— snakes are not a threat to humans or their pets. That does not convince people who have a deep-seated fear of these animals that they are harmless, and the fear some people have at even a glimpse of these reptiles contributes mightily to what are real conflicts between humans and snakes.

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/snakes/tips/solving_problems_snakes.html

Reptiles pose a threat beyond disease transmission. Snakes and lizards, often sold as hatchlings, can reach six feet or more—posing a physical threat to humans and companion animals. Even small turtles can outgrow their tanks, and their welcome.

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/exotic_pets/facts/reptile_trade.html

These large constricting snakes are not suitable as pets; they suffer from capture in the wild and long-distance transport for trade; they can injure and kill people who possess or interact with them; and they can wreak havoc on our natural resources as an invasive species, killing native wildlife, including endangered animals.

http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2012/01/constrictor-snake-news.html ====================================================================================

For public health, conservation, and humane reasons, The HSUS recommends that the general public forgo pet reptiles.

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/exotic_pets/facts/reptile_trade.html ====================================================================================

Frequently Asked Questions: The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act (H.R. 669) Will all exotic species be banned? No. H.R. 669 does not ban any species per se. It establishes a science-based process to evaluate species for their likelihood to harm the economy, the environment, public health, or other animals. The evaluation process will identify and prohibit trade in species judged to be a serious risk. Species found to be safe will be approved for trade. Further, the bill requires that this process be transparent and that stakeholder input be considered in decision-making. The process would not take affect for several years.

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/exotic_pets/facts/hr_669_faq.html

====================================================================================

What exactly does it mean to be “Prehistoric”?  Does it just mean Dinosaurs and our child-like imaginative view on what ‘must have been’?  Here at Prehistoric Pets/The Reptile Zoo/Jurassic Parties, we deal with the study, sales and educating of our Prehistoric cousins and artifacts they left behind.  It goes beyond the simple array of cages enclosing our ‘reptilious’ friends and digs a much deeper meaning, literally!  Many of you who have visited the shop have seen and asked about our vast selection of fossils for sale and on display.  Luckily for ALL of us (=P) we are submitting weekly blogs covering the different types of fossils you can come see, buy and even give as gifts! 

How do we acquire such priceless gifts of nature from around the world?  Owner Jay Brewer is already at his SECOND visit this week to  The Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase that is happening throughout Tucson, Arizona.  He liked it so much the first time he had to go back to get even more goodies. The first time he came back with the cute heart themed fossils just in time forValentines Day and who knows what he will come back with this time. O.o .  So, 'What is considered a Fossil?'  A "Fossil", directly translating to "having been dug up", are the preserved remains of animals , plants, and other organisms from the remote past.  Sounds odd I know, but these items are ones of beauty and history, linking us to a past we could never grasp in these modern times. 

One of the most popular fossils in stock for gifts, home decor or personal collection is the Morrocan Ammonite.  Similar to a squid or octopus, these predatory marine mollusks died out with the dinosaurs close to some 65 million years ago.  Despite their gap in history between then in now, these fossil shells lasted on earth for 330 million years and are found in most countries around the world!  Here at Prehistoric Pets, we carry a wide variety of shapes and sizes of these beautiful relics.  Here are a few snap shots of some available Ammonite fossils...

From Small...

To Medium...

To Large and EXTRA Large!

The larger options ranging from (apparently) the size of my HEAD AND BIGGER!!! Imagine the EXTRA large?!

Curious to see what else is in stock?  Well, stop in the shop and  keep updated on all of The Reptile Zoo's daily blogs, we will be featuring new fossils as well as already available fossils in stock.  DONT FORGET Valentines Day is coming around and TRUST we have plenty of Fossil Valentine gifts for your special someone! 

^O^...........Priscilla

It’s a cold gloomy day outside with scattered rain clouds BUT it’s warm, toasty and FULL of life here at the shop!   There’s been a lot of controversy about this Python ban now in effect, and all of us here at Prehistoric Pets want to share the TRUTH with you about these loving creatures.  Despite the rumored ‘danger’ Burmese Pythons pose, our friendly “foes” are actually quite sweet and easy to care for if given proper homes and attention.  Let’s go deeper…

Any beginning Herper or reptile owner KNOWS that much careful, attentive handling is required to house a docile manageable pet.  Whether gecko, Beardie, Burm or Retic you should always want to properly and regularly handle your reptile to ensure a happy, comfortable home life for both you and yours.  Without such loving care, ANY animal would resume it’s natural position in nature’s circle of life, we see this common in even our household pets such as cats and dogs.  Quoting the National Geographic website on Burmese Pythons, they had this to state, “… [Burmese] a generally docile disposition may be best known as the large snake of choice among reptile owners. Unfortunately these … are often poorly cared for and are frequently released into the wild.” THAT right there people, is why our beloved Burmese pythons are now a Forbidden Love.  Inexperienced and untrained hands were given the ability to RUIN our passions by attempting to own such an exotic and precious pet and then releasing said pets into the wild untrained for survival in a normal, wild habitat.

These infamously solitary creatures have been starring as the “Grand Finale” guests for our kid’s birthday parties for years now and are always the favorite!  Burmese owners have said they’re snakes are, “sweethearts”, “love bugs” or “cuddle bugs”.  Here at Prehistoric Pets/ The Reptile Zoo, you can even hold and take pictures with one of our many Burms! =)  Of course, the shock factor always comes into play when seeing your first 12 foot python about to be wrapped gracefully around your lap but it has NEVER taken away from the beaming smiles, happy giggles and “AWWWEEESOOOME!” comments flooding in after the picture is snapped and the initial ‘shock’ has settled in.  I’ve never left a party without a child BEGGING me to ‘See the big snake again’ or ‘Can I take a picture with it too?’.

Humanity has always had a way of reaching out for more, for never letting an inexperienced hand slap away our dreams or of experiencing the unimaginable!  Why stop now?  Show YOUR support for our Python companions and say NO! to this atrocious attempt to steal away our hopes and dreams of sharing our love of the exotic with one another and SIGN THE PETITION to overturn this ban!  Friends and Herpers we all need to come together and FIGHT for our no legged, slithery friends! 

For more info on the Ban, our opinions and what YOU can do about it.... visit these links.

The Python Ban: Economic Effect

Official Petition to Overturn Python Ban

Jurassic Fact Of the Week: BURMESE PYTHONS! <3

^O^............Priscilla