SATURDAYS:

10:30 a.m. African Wild Dogs (Wild Dog Drive)

11:00 a.m. Children’s Zoo (Barnyard)

1:15 p.m. Elephant Behavioral Presentation (Elephant Pavilion)

1:30 p.m. Andean Condor & Harpy Eagle (across from picnic pavilions)

1:30 p.m. Great Apes (Great EscApe Building)

2:00 p.m. Upper Aquarium (Noble Aquatic Center)

2:30 p.m. River Otters (Oklahoma Trails)

3:00 p.m. Grizzly Bears (Oklahoma Trails)

3:00 p.m. Sea Lion Habitat (Noble Aquatic Center)

3:30 p.m. Indian Rhino

4:00 p.m. Alligators (Oklahoma Trails)

SUNDAYS:

10:30 a.m. Giraffes

11:00 a.m. Children’s Zoo (Underground)

11:30 a.m. Galapagos Tortoise (Island Life)

1:15 p.m. Elephant Behavioral Presentation (Elephant Pavilion)

1:30 p.m. Andean Condor & Harpy Eagle (across from picnic pavilions)

1:30 p.m. Great Apes (Great EscApe Building)

2:00 p.m. Lower Aquarium (Noble Aquatic Center)

2:30 p.m. River Otters (Oklahoma Trails)

3:00 p.m. Grizzly Bears (Oklahoma Trails)

3:00 p.m. Sea Lion Habitat (Noble Aquatic Center)

3:30 p.m. Indian Rhino

4:00 p.m. Turkey Vulture (Oklahoma Trails Aviary)

This is thanks mostly to my lovely wife, Sarah, who brought to our relationship a blue and gold macaw named Melvin and various other small birds. I also bought Sarah a cat as a birthday gift a little over a year ago. In addition to our three dogs, one cat, Melvin the macaw and various small birds, we also own a collection of reptiles.

Elizabeth the bearded dragon

I’ve always been interested in reptiles, but Sarah was a true enthusiast, and we soon began keeping snakes. We have some little milk snakes, but my favorite reptiles are our lizards. I have always wanted a bearded dragon, and we got one a few months ago, along with some leopard geckos.

Our most recent additions came last weekend at the Oklahoma Herpetological Society’s reptile show. We bought a male mate for my female bearded dragon. Their names are Elizabeth and Andy. We also got a second breeding group of leopard geckos.

These shows are a must for anyone who has in interest in exotic animals. In addition to lizards and snakes, you can find various turtles, frogs, tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes, and most of the other little critters that often make people squirm.

Reptiles certainly aren’t the most common or popular type of pet, but I would encourage everyone to give them a chance, particularly the lizards. Bearded dragons and leopard geckos have a lot of personality and are a lot of fun. The main thing to consider when buying a reptile is to do your homework and know what you are getting into.

Happy (top) and Poseidon the leopard geckos

Large snakes aren’t for everyone and can be dangerous to those who don’t know how to handle them. Stay away from large pythons, paricularly the reticulated, Burmese and African rock pythons, unless you are an experienced snake keeper. Ball pythons, corn snakes and milk snakes can be good pets and require a fraction of the work of dogs, cats and small mammals like hamsters.

Iguanas are also a handful and should not be taken on by those who don’t have the means to care for them property. They need huge enclosures, expensive ultraviolet lighting and can be a bit cranky if not socialized. Leopard geckos and bearded dragons are a better choice for someone looking to take on their first reptile. They need a heating lamp or pad, and a few feeder bugs at least twice a week, but they are harmless, do well being handled if done with care and will keep you entertained as they cruise around their enclosure.

So don’t be a hater like Carrie. Give the creepy crawlies a chance.

- Staff Writer Bryan Dean

• Anglers find dead alligator. (Broken Bow)
• Senate rejects puppy mill measure. (state capitol)
• PBS special touts Canine Assistants. (nationwide)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Humans, animals don’t mix. (state capitol)
• Customers are going wild over cats bred in Oklahoma. (Ponca City, video below)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

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

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

• 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

Listen to Pet Show

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

• The American Humane Association
• The World Society for the Protection of Animals
• The International Fund for Animal Welfare

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

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