The Woodland Park Zoo, as part of its work to preserve and care for all animals, has taken in a collection of reptiles and tarantulas.
Recently, friends of a deceased woman asked the Zoo for assistance in providing a new home for her collection of exotic reptiles, including several Gila monsters, copperheads and vipers. “As a community service, the Woodland Park Zoo accepts all venomous reptiles…,” explained Jennifer Pramuk, PhD, an animal curator at the Zoo, “We don’t want these animals to end up in the wrong hands or euthanized.”
The Zoo plans to keep the Gila monsters, and will place the snakes with other zoos also accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, which have staff highly-qualified to care for these species. For one thing, no anti-venom exists for Gila monster bites, or that of African bush vipers, all of which were part of the rescue.
In an entirely separate case, the Woodland Park Zoo also participated in providing rescue for 250 tarantula spiderlings confiscated by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It is believed that the importer found with the spiderlings had bred them from illegally caught adults. Many animals, including reptiles and spiders, are threatened by the illegal pet trade and the Zoo works with wildlife agencies to provide access to safe homes for all species.
However, Woodland Park Zoo cannot begin to absorb all unwanted pets in need of homes. Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums concentrate mainly on endangered species, and WPZ refers pet owners to several other organizations in our region including the Pacific Northwest Herpetological Society, Northwest Exotic Bird Society and Pasado’s Safe Haven. “People don’t realize that caring for wild animals is very challenging. Wild animals haven’t been molded for life with humans, as domesticated animals have been. Exotic animals can be aggressive or unpredictable, pose health and disease problems, and have special dietary and environmental needs that many owners are not prepared to address,” observed Dr. Pramuk.
Founded in 1899, WPZ helps save animals, and their habitats, and has a strong reputation for meeting the highest standards in animal welfare. The Zoo engages more than a million visitors in extraordinary experiences with animals, inspiring them to make conservation a priority in their lives.
Visit Zoo.org for more information about Zoo programs and conservation projects, or call 206-548-2500.