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Working with reptiles
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by Ally on April 16, 2006
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I am wondering were to find information on working with reptiles. I am a 16 year old boy from the UK and have been intrested in reptiles from a young age. I would be happy to work outside the UK, and would like to do field work or work with reptiles in wildlife parks. I would be greatful if you could give me any contacts or information.
Ally
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RE: Working with reptiles
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by rataretasty on April 16, 2006
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Not a whole lot of jobs working with reptiles and the ones that are out there dont pay much. I would get training in an area to make some cash and just do the reptile thing as a hobby. Just my opinion
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RE: Working with reptiles
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by Rob_Carmichael on April 17, 2006
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I STRONGLY disagree with the last comment. Many folks told me the exact same thing (there are no jobs, the pay stinks, its political, you have to know the right people, etc. etc.). I almost took that advice to get a "normal" job and just enjoy herps as a hobby (and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that); instead, I went with my heart, my passion and my gut instincts. I worked my tail off, graduated from college, eventually earned a M.S. degree and now working on a PhD. During that time, I networked with as many well respected herp people in the field (ranging from private breeders to those in the academic world), I learned everything I could about herps, kept a lot of them, volunteered wherever I could, got involved with some field studies, etc., etc. I finally got my big break 20 years ago as a zoo keeper and eventually started my own wildlife center specializing in herps (and a few raptors). We took a grassroots program and turned it into one of the finest herp facilities in the U.S. (okay, that's my opinion but I take a lot of pride in what we do). I make a wonderful living at working with reptiles and have had many incredible opportunities over the years (speaking at many symposiums/workshops, getting published, meeting lots of great people, getting involved with some wonderful field work, sharing our passion with the general public and working with reptiles every day of the week). Man, I couldn't write a better script. But, this only came out of a lot of hard work (an 80-hour work week is pretty typical around here), dedication and sacrifice. So, are these jobs few and far between? Yes, but if you have the drive, the passion, excellent communication skills (if you can't spell, or, have poor grammar, you will want to consider a different career), enjoy people, you can go far. I hope this gives you a little encouragement.
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RE: Working with reptiles
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by cyote on April 17, 2006
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I agree with Rob. You can work with reptiles if you are willing to work. I am in charge of hiring interns for our zoo/venom production facility, and the biggest problem I see is that many people want to do the fun part, ie directly handling the snakes and/or spending time in the field, but they are not willing to put in the work. By work I mean going to school (bachelor's degree at least,) and also doing the jobs that no one likes: caring for rodents, cleaning dirty cages, disinfecting things, etc. It's just like anything, really- you have to be educated and you have to work hard in order to succeed. If you want to work with herps you certainly can. However, if you'd rather just enjoy them as a hobby, then there's nothing wrong with that either. Sometimes when you have to do something because it is your job, it may loose its charm, and keeping it as a hobby level might be best for some people.
-Kristen
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RE: Working with reptiles
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by Emmy on April 18, 2006
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In particular since you are from the UK, I can only add to the posts above by suggesting you consider a degree course at Bangor University in North Wales. Some of the top herps experts in the country (W. Wuster, R. Thorpe and A. Malhotra) are working there and have some great projects on herps in general.
Good luck in the future!
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RE: Working with reptiles
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by Rob_Carmichael on April 18, 2006
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Those are BIG names anywhere in the world! Heck, I'd like to go back to school just to be around those folks. Great advice and I hope you are encouraged enough to go for it.
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RE: Working with reptiles
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by rataretasty on April 19, 2006
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Sorry if I sounded negative, I didnt mean it that way. If you are dedicated and have the drive to do it you can, after long days of schooling, have a career in reptiles but like the others said it will take alot of hard book learning and some dirty days. I hope it works out for you if not just keeping a nice collection for yourself and educating the people around you makes for a rewarding experience. Let us know how it goes and best of luck to you.
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RE: Working with reptiles
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by Emmy on April 22, 2006
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Agreed on the big names comment! I know sometimes us Bangor students take them for granted, but they really are so knowledgable on their subjects, and more importantly are approachable and honestly care about their students. It really is an honour, not to mention a great reference on the CV! :D
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