Society's View of Venomous Keepers

It is often difficult for the amateur herpetological sector to justify their right to keep venomous reptiles. The general public wonders why we would want such potentially dangerous animals in our homes. Trying to explain our fascination with these highly specialized animals is usually futile. When the subject of legality arises, the justification becomes even more difficult.

Keepers of venomous reptiles are a unique group of enthusiasts. We are held to a higher standard in many respects of the avocation. And so it should be. While the folks who keep non-venomous reptiles can humorously reminisce about the time the boa constrictor got out of it's cage and made an unexpected appearance in the bathroom, we have no such luxuries. Sharing a shower with a monacled cobra on walkabout is no laughing matter. When the owner of a Burmese python has to remove retained eye caps because the humidity level in the cage was too low, it is merely an inconvenience. The owner of a Gaboon viper faced with a similar scenario has an extremely hazardous situation on their hands. If a large colubrid bites the keeper's hand during a feeding frenzy, the herpetoculturist simply disinfects the wound and applies a dressing. The same situation applied to a Russell's viper has a much different medical protocol !

I believe that in order to gain any semblance of social acceptance we must establish two principles; our level of responsibility and our public worth. Responsibility can be addressed in our husbandry practices and emergency protocol. Proper enclosures, secure facilities, specialized equipment, etc. are all part of this aspect. Public worth can be achieved by the offering of services to the community. Problem reptile retrieval, conservation project assistance, and educational programs can be implemented to give the public something of value. This is also an effective tactic when dealing with local politicians who would just as soon regulate against venomous reptiles in the private sector. Some of my annual presentations regarding venomous reptiles involve public shows for outdoor sports expos, shopping malls, etc. My services are retained to increase visitor attendance and generate revenue for the promoters. While the audience is there primarily to see the deadly snakes on-stage, they also receive a hands-on demonstration of proper field treatment for snakebite. Also included is a segment on indigenous snake identification as well as a short lecture on venomous serpent conservation and their value in human medicine.

When doing public programs such as this it is important to demonstrate safety, skill, and integrity. I do not kiss a cobra nor do I milk a rattlesnake and drink the venom. I prefer to leave the dramatic to the tabloids and the current "nature" programs on television. My associates and I utilize professional level equipment when performing these seminars. Assorted hooks, bag-sticks, and safety shields are all part of the show of responsibility. Transport containers are all securely locked as are the exhibition cages. All glass is laminated so even a fracture would not result in an escaped specimen. Shields are used when tying off snake bags. Perimeter security is employed to prevent anyone from inadvertently getting too close to the stage area.

After the presentation, we invariably receive comments from attendees that are most complimentary. Some people thank us for teaching them the first aid techniques. Others will tell of their fear of snakes and how they are more comfortable now that they understand that much of what they learned as a child is untrue. This feedback is why we do the programs. If we can help reduce the indiscriminate destruction of pitvipers by the public then we feel it has been worth the effort. If we can demonstrate that our avocation has social worth to our community then we have truly accomplished a positive thing.

Many venomous reptile keepers do educational programs in their area. It is vital that these events are presented in a professional and responsible manner as the public will leave with whatever impression we have given them. And this impression will be very important to us the next time we are sitting in a city council meeting getting ready to do battle with the regulators regarding our avocation. ~GH

Member Comments: Add A Comment