Pet Show Blog » reptiles

Snake with a bad habit

Bryan Dean — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:12:13 +0000

Apparently some guy in Taiwan taught his snake how to smoke.

I’m not sure how much of this story I trust, and not just because of how ridiculous it sounds. The story identifies the nicotine-addicted snake as Po the pit viper, but the snake in the picture is obviously not a pit viper, which is a venomous subset of snake you would want nowhere near you.

The commenters on the story say it is a Taiwanese beauty snake, and a quick search on Google seems to indicate that is correct.

Either way, this is just wrong.

- Staff Writer Bryan Dean

Two-for-one admission and sharks in February!

petblog — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:41:27 +0000

Looking for somethign to do that doesn’t involve trying to coax your dog into the yard for a potty break? I thought so. Check out this info from the Oklahoma Aquarium:

Shaking off a case of cabin fever? The Oklahoma Aquarium is making it easier on families to get out of the house with Two-For-Tuesdays, Science Under The Stars and Super Shark Sundays. Through February, visitors can enjoy two-for-one admission on Tuesdays, which is most convenient for scheduling around work and school because the Aquarium is open till 9:00. (Free admission applies to the lowest price per pair of tickets purchased.)

There’s an added draw on Tuesday evenings: Science Under The Stars at 6:30. This interactive program hosted by the Aquarium Education Department features hands-on activities, crafts and close inspection of some of the aquatic world’s most mysterious and fascinating animals. The theme Tuesday, February 2nd is 8-Armed Bandits, examining cephalopods including octopus and squid. Please check our website for program themes through February. www.okaquarium.org

Also in February, Super Shark Sundays! This is a contest open to kids to test their shark smarts to win prizes including a family membership. Just visit the Aquarium on any Sunday in February, pick up an entry form at the information desk for your age group, sleuth out the answer to a scientific shark question, then turn it in on your way out. The drawing for final prizes will be March 1st, but J.P. vanEttinger, “Shark Man” will pass out a limited number of smaller prizes to kids showing off their shark knowledge.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Pets in the paper – some feel-good stories

petblog — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:53:20 +0000

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -

Fire crew rescues stranded kitten. (Midwest City)
Zoo seeks volunteers. (Oklahoma City)
Davey’s a snake charmer. (Washington, Okla.)
Dogs drifts 75 miles on ice. (Poland)

Those two rescue stories are a great pick-me-up for a dreary day like this.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Pet Show – keeping safe during the storm

petblog — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:02:15 +0000

Listen to Pet Show! Our guest is Dr. Louise Murray, medical director of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Impressed? We are, too. Dr. Murray talked to us about how to keep your pets safe during the impending ice storm, otherwise known as Ice Storm of Doom 2010.

In other news, police in Mexico City saved 150 ferrets, and the Brits have taught crocodiles to recognize their own names. Maybe that’s not as important right now as winter weather safety, but it’s still interesting. Kind of.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

How to help animals in Haiti

petblog — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:26:21 +0000

As aid pours into Haiti from around the world, animal advocates have joined together to help pets in the country devastated by a major earthquake and its aftershocks. Several organizations are partnering to create the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, according to a press release issued this afternoon. You can donate to the three largest groups here:

These are all reputable groups, but I would be sure to include a note in any online donations that the money is specifically for relief in Haiti.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

It’s raining lizards

petblog — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:34:36 +0000

In addition to record cold temperatures, Florida residents are dealing with another strange phenomenon — iguanas falling from the trees.

An iguana lies frozen, or possibly just in suspended animation, on the ground at a Florida Keys park following a cold snap - Tim Chapman, Miami Herald

The iguanas, which are not native to Florida, don’t do well in the cold. With record low temperatures in the state, the reptiles are falling frozen out of the trees in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne.

The iguanas aren’t actually frozen. They are in suspended animation, coming back to life once they warm up. However, extended cold temperatures could kill them.

- Staff Writer Bryan Dean

Aquarium hosts day camps for kids out of school

petblog — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:43:06 +0000

Brandi Moss, an aquarist at the Oklahoma Aquarium, touches one of the aquarium's loggerhead turtles. All six species of sea turtles are either endangered or threatened, meaning they are on the verge of extinction.

Looking for somewhere to take your kiddos in the Tulsa area because school is out? The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks has you covered:

It’s warm and dry inside the Oklahoma Aquarium and starting at noon Thursday, January 7th, it’s also a quick solution for working parents whose kids are out of school due to the severe cold. A special Cold Weather SeaCamp will be held from noon to 5:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 to 5:00 on Friday. The cost of the camp is $20 on Thursday and $30 on Friday. Late pick-up is available till 5:30 for an additional $5 both days. Early drop-off is available Friday at 8:30 for $5. This fee is discounted from the Aquarium’s regularly scheduled SeaCamps as a community service during this dangerously cold weather. This means parents can make it to work and have a safe, fun, educational place for their children for $4 or less per hour. Children are asked to bring a sack lunch and wear warm layers as temperatures vary in different parts of the Aquarium. Call ahead registration is recommended as attendance is limited to the first 100 children each day. Call (918) 296-FISH. Details are on our website, www.okaquarium.org.

Maybe your kids will have a chance to see awesome turtles like the one shown here. They probably won’t get to touch them, though.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Pets in the paper – food and yoga

petblog — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:49:09 +0000

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman since Saturday -

Zoo’s new elephant habitat to house expectant mother. (Oklahoma City)
Instructor offers way to help animals. (Oklahoma City)
City’s six-day horse show keeps eyes on ranking prize. (Oklahoma City)
Safari park adds new tiger, center. (Tuttle)
Nature loves flock to state’s salt plaines. (Great Salt Plaines)
Pony Express to celebrate anniversary in re-enactment. (Missouri)
Tortoises highlight disputes in energy. (California)
Slithery pets are rescued. (Utah)
“Best Job” winner stung by dangerous jellyfish. (Australia)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Pets in the paper – coats for pets with coats

petblog — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:38:41 +0000

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman -

Pets need to find warmth when weather turns cold. (statewide)
Nature center plans activities. (Norman)
Nonprofit groups adopt former police horses. (Tulsa)
Animal case gets new twist. (Texas)
Parties vote back U.S. beef important ban. (Taiwan)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Pets in the paper – getchya a gator!

petblog — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:58:28 +0000

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman since Saturday -

Alligator sighting reported at park. (Oklahoma City)
Shelter gets funds for pet tag study. (Oklahoma City)
Horse, owner get super win at show. (Oklahoma City)
Shelter seeks pet gifts. (Oklahoma City)
Giraffe suffers from neck injury during move. (Tulsa)
Delays continue in state’s poultry waste pollution trial. (Tulsa)
Swooping in: Oklahoma hosting national event for handlers of eagles, hawks and falcons. (Woodward)
Rare birds seen in state. (Woodward)
Horse country tour. (Texas)
5,600 species found during ocean census. (Louisiana)
Cruelty brings no contest plea. (New Mexico)
Ducks in trouble, Ducks Unlimited says. (northwestern United States)
New books for birders. (nationwide)
Jaguar blamed in miner’s death. (Guyana)
Bulls escape from movie set. (Spain)
White tiger gets new home. (Serbia)
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” full of fun. (movie review)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll