Close Call with a King Cobra

[bronxzoofrank]

I had a close call when a King Cobra escaped at the airport, during my zoo-keeping years; Enjoy, Frank A Close Call with a King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah | That Reptile Blog That Reptile Blog

[lady_bug87]

Wonderful and amusing read thanks for sharing!

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

Wonderful and amusing read thanks for sharing!

I appreciate your kind words, thank you very much! Best, Frank

[lady_bug87]

It's really cool to have someone of your caliber on the site for feedback and information especially pertaining to the ways we keep animals in our own collections and the types of materials we use to ensure longevity and health with individual species.

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

It's really cool to have someone of your caliber on the site for feedback and information especially pertaining to the ways we keep animals in our own collections and the types of materials we use to ensure longevity and health with individual species.

Much appreciated...glad to be here and I'm sure I'll learn much as well. I'll post care articles from time to time; please let me know if you have any specific interests and I'll send links. I'll stay on top of threads where I've posted, but can't often over too many others, so pl feel free to send me a note re any interesting ones if you have time, best, Frank

[marvelfreak]

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

It's really cool to have someone of your caliber on the site for feedback and information especially pertaining to the ways we keep animals in our own collections and the types of materials we use to ensure longevity and health with individual species.

I second this. I have be reading though your blog and i love it.

[bronxzoofrank]

Great to hear, thank you very much! Best, Frank

[beardeds4life]

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

It's really cool to have someone of your caliber on the site for feedback and information especially pertaining to the ways we keep animals in our own collections and the types of materials we use to ensure longevity and health with individual species.

It is. Especially to compare the ways we keep our animals versus how the zoo does it.

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by beardeds4life

It is. Especially to compare the ways we keep our animals versus how the zoo does it.

Thanks very much; I'll include references to zoo practices when possible. Please let me know if you have any specific interests, Best, Frank

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by beardeds4life

It is. Especially to compare the ways we keep our animals versus how the zoo does it.

Some of the same failures that happen in private collections also occur at zoos.

We are all learning new things every day...

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by infernalis

Some of the same failures that happen in private collections also occur at zoos.

We are all learning new things every day...

Most good zoo people start out by keeping, observing and collecting animals, as did I; here's an article that touches on some of the contributions private hobbyists make to the field Reptile Hobbyists - Helping or Hindering Reptile and Amphibian Conservation? That Reptile Blog Best, Frank

[Will0W783]

Great read, Frank. I think a lot of people mistakenly call certain species (cobras for one) "aggressive" when they are just responding to a situation we've put them in where they have no hope of escape. When a snake cannot retreat, it's only other option is to defend itself. I've never really worked with king cobras- my mentor has one that backed me into a corner the first time I was over there and still intimidates me - but they are one of my favorite species. They are so majestic and intelligent....such beautiful creatures.

[millertime89]

You've got some great stories. Thanks for sharing them and please keep them coming.

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by Will0W783

Great read, Frank. I think a lot of people mistakenly call certain species (cobras for one) "aggressive" when they are just responding to a situation we've put them in where they have no hope of escape. When a snake cannot retreat, it's only other option is to defend itself. I've never really worked with king cobras- my mentor has one that backed me into a corner the first time I was over there and still intimidates me - but they are one of my favorite species. They are so majestic and intelligent....such beautiful creatures.

Hi Kimberly,

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. "aggressive', etc. can be misleading but also useful among people who work with snakes (keeping in mind that individuals in all species vary). For example, when disturbed, some species are likely to bite, some to flee, others to curl up and hide, etc. The species natural history - what works best in nature - as a great effect on this.

As an aside - PLEASE do not out yourself into situations where a cobra is backing you into a corner! I've responded to a great many snakebite emergencies over the years, involving both professionals and hobbyists, and have many sad stories...

Best, Frank

[Zoo Nanny]

Originally Posted by bronxzoofrank

Most good zoo people start out by keeping, observing and collecting animals, as did I; here's an article that touches on some of the contributions private hobbyists make to the field Reptile Hobbyists - Helping or Hindering Reptile and Amphibian Conservation? That Reptile Blog Best, Frank

Frank good article. I worked with Lou when they first started helping with the Karna Blue Butterfly. A bunch of the keepers and volunteers drove up to NH to an airport there to collect the lupine seeds. Lou is an excellent example of hobbyist turned professional. Most of the inverts and herps there are kept according to the systems Lou had set up for his own animals at home.