Feeding Soni

Ever wonder what it’s like to feed a hungry gator? Here’s a sneak-peak at what I see every time I feed Soni our 6-foot American Alligator.

Soni eats 2-3 times a week depending on the time of year, his mood, and of course his appetite! Variety is the key when feeding these animals. If you think about it, would you like to eat the same thing every week?

We feed him chicken, tilapia (fish), rats, beef, and occasionally crustaceans. Just like us, Soni doesn’t like everything he’s offered. Items he has never really taken to include cockroaches and baby chicks.

He’s even trained by the sound of a clap! On feeding day all I have to do to get him out of his pool is by simply clapping my hands together once. Claps, clickers, and various sounds are all used as feeding techniques for safety and animal enrichment. For more information about alligators please visit www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-crocodile.html

5 facts you didn't know about camels

Just recently I had the opportunity to work with a camel named Clyde on News Channel 7. I learned a lot of amazing facts and decided to put together 5 facts that most people don’t know about camels. For instance: Did you know camel poop is so dry you can start a fire with it?

Did you know that camels have two rows of long, thick eyelashes that protect their eyes from the desert dust? These long lashes would make any women jealous!

A thirsty camel can drink 30 gallons of water in just 15 minutes! Contrary to popular belief camels don’t store water in their humps. Instead it’s made of fatty tissue that they can use when food is scarce.

Camels are vegetarians preferring grass and gains although during harsh times they will resort to eating bones, thorns, meat, and even their owner’s tents!

Camels don’t really spit on you (It would waste water). They are actually throwing up on you. For this and more interesting facts, watch the full segment here www.ktvb.com/video/featured-videos/Camel-visits-the-Saturday-Morning-News-81883322.html

Welcome Godzilla!!!

Here’s a sneak-peak at one of our most recent rescues! This is a 2 foot Green Iguana named Godzilla (please don’t blame me for the name…he came with it)! I rescued him last Monday in Boise where he was living in an apartment window seal. He had no proper UV lights, heat sources, or access to water.

Unfortunately, Godzilla’s owners had no idea how to take of a Green Iguana. They were informed by a pet store to feed him lettuce, crickets, and mealworms. NONE of these items should ever be offered to an iguana! They are complete vegetarians that require dark leafy greens, vegetables, and occasionally fruit.

If you look closely, you can see that his jaw is a little swollen. This is a calcium deficiency problem that can be caused by several factors including an inadequate diet, lack of UV light, and not being offered the right vitamins and minerals. If you want more information about how to properly care for iguanas, please visit our friends at www.greenigsociety.org

Tapir

What animal has the body of a pig, weighs 600 pounds, and has a prehensile snout? The Tapir!

On a recent visit to the Bergen County Zoological Park I had the opportunity to see a Tapir one up-close and personal!

There are four species of Tapir, the Brazilian, Baird’s, Malayan, and the Mountain Tapir. The one I met was a Baird’s Tapir native to Central and South America.

The flexible snout called the proboscis helps the tapir reach foliage. It is made of soft tissue and can move in all directions.

Unfortunately, all four species of tapir are endangered. Hunting and deforestation all contribute to the demise of this incredible species.

2010!!!

Happy New Year everyone!

Looking forward to another fantastic year- Corbin & Animals