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Posted by smaug on May 09, 2003 at 14:32:45:
In Reply to: Actually posted by FR on May 09, 2003 at 13:46:28:
I have to agree with Frank that many times a private keeper can offer far better care than even some well run public zoos. Ability to notice and react quickly to changes in an animal's condition, quantity/quality of food, and available space are all much easier tasks for someone with 5 animals than 5000. (Assuming the person is properly knowledable and has the financial means to do so.) Therefore I think the real problem comes from lack of proper education and the resultant igornace.
I still remember the first day I walked into a pet store and the employee told me that I could keep that cute baby water in a 125 gallon fish tank for its whole life. Even as a completely able and well meaning new keeper, If I had taken the store employee's comments as "expert advice" I would have a very cramped and stressed animal. That equals disappointed keeper which usualy equals disposable animal.
While this situation holds from anoles to komodo dragons, I feel that for larger and more dangerous animals such as Crocs, Lacies, Waters, Niles, etc. that much of the responsibility falls on the breeder or store owner to properly educate the purchaser on what they are getting into. If you don't feel someone is understanding of the risks associated or means required than take it upon yourself to not sell the animal to them
A keeper who is properly educated as to the means required to care for such an animal and has the neccesary prior experience will do as well as, if not better, than any public institution. I also think the number of such keepers is much lower than the said keepers would like to believe (myself included).
My two cents,
Nick
