A tough job but someone has to do it!
Posted in General By Rickey on June 19th 2007
Although spring has just arrived, in just six weeks I’ll be enjoying the best part of my job - leading a field herpetology trip to the Central Michigan University Biological Station on Beaver Island, Michigan. Each summer I lead groups of middle school students to the Central Michigan University Biological Station on Beaver Island, Michigan where we learn about the diverse herpetofauna along with many other forms of wildlife. We also kayak one of the inland lakes learning about island ecology. Every day is a new adventure but one thing is for certain….we catch lots of snakes! . Here I am pictured holding a harmless Northern Water Snake - and there’s lots of ‘em!
WDC at Elawa Farm getting face lift
Posted in General By Rickey on June 12th 2007
Thanks to a generous donation we are going to be renovating some vacant farm buildings at Elawa Farm. This will result in the Grass Is Rattling exhibit hall to be moved to a larger building while adding additional classroom space. If all goes as planned, we'll have new facilities by June of 2008. By that time, our "Discover the Middlefork Savanna" trail will be completed that will feature a 7-station interpretive trail including a raised wildlife viewing observation deck. More to come!
Why do I work with venomous reptiles?
Posted in General By Rickey on June 07th 2007
That’s a question I am frequently asked. Although some folks think that I endanger my life on a daily basis, nothing could be further from the truth. No different than a law enforcement officer learning proper firearm safety, I, too, follow a very strict set of safety standards and procedures when I work with out venomous herp collection. Aside from a little nip from a baby beaded lizard, I have a perfect safety record over the past 20 years of working with venomous herps professionally. I take great pride in this record and am 100% confident that I will continue the safe keeping of venomous reptiles. With nearly 100 venomous reptiles ranging from rattlesnakes, various vipers, and elapids (such as cobras and mambas), I know how important it is to follow certain absolutes of safe venomous keeping. My Head Animal Keeper, Bryan Suson, has been a fast learned and his attention to detail and mastery of proper handling techniques is something that I am very proud. We all enjoy it when one of our pupils exceeds our expectations. Bryan has a bright future in this field.
So what does it take to work with venomous reptiles? Here’s a few important components:
- Maturity: You have to take this very seriously. Most folks wishing to work with venomous reptiles shouldn’t. You must have a professional attitude towards keeping them.
- Living a clean lifestyle: Getting plenty of sleep at night, having a clear and sound mind, and, not overindulging in alcholol and NEVER (ever) taking drugs, are essential components. The better you keep yourself in shape, the quicker your reflexes.
- Resources: It costs a lot of money to keep venomous reptiles. Not only do you need special housing, but you also need your own supply of antivenin (which can costs thousands and thousands of dollars).
- Experience and Knowledge: It took me many years of working with non venomous herps before I started working with venomous species. It’s important to master the use of snake hooks, tongs, and other handling techniques before working with venomous.
- MENTOR: Having a mentor to work under is crucial for long term success.
So why do I enjoy working with venomous reptiles? It’s not for the “oh wow” factor or showboating. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, I find venomous reptiles absolutely fascinating; it consumes my thoughts and is my passion. I hold the utmost of respect for these incredible animals. And, they are beneficial to humans as we now know that their venom may cure some of the world’s worst diseases.
Hurray for venomous reptiles!
A great day of golf for the Wildlife Discovery Center!
Posted in General By Rickey on June 01st 2007
Who would think that the WDC and golf go together….but they do! Today, the Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation hosted their annual golf tournament to help raise awareness and funds for park and recreation programs. The WDC is under the umbrella of the City of Lake Forest’s Parks & Recreation Department. One of the unique features of this event is that each Par 3 hole features one of the Recreation Department’s programs. Of course, the most popular hole on the course is Lucky Hole #13! As players hit their approach on Hole 12 (a very long Par 5), they quickly realize that the two large dark objects lying on the green are actually two LIVE ALLIGATORS! You should see the looks on their faces! A big thanks goes to Bob and Dan Bavirsha for sharing Zeek and Michigan for the day. Other animals that were out for the public to see and touch were Shadow the Burmese Python, Chubby Cheekers the Giant Argentine Tegu, Sid the black throated monitor, Yurtle the Snapping Turtle, Shelley the Gopher Tortoise, Curly the Red Tailed Hawk and a host of other animals.
A big thanks goes to my staff of Edward Gudas, Bryan Suson, and interns Ryan and Natalie for hanging out with us. Another thanks goes to Lindy VanVlissingen for holding the fort down while other staff assisted me.
The gators were truly the big hit of the day and I’ll be posting pics very soon!! We will most likely get some sort of donation for funding future projects as a result of our involvement in this event.
