Snake/lizard/zoo related question

[Aeon_The_Prize]

So I know that generally, it's a no no to house snakes together. I understand why, and have never thought of doing so. I only have a single baby bp right now anyeay, so it's not even an option, obviously. However, I went to the philadelphia zoo yesterday, and several different exhibits had not only 2 snakes housed together, either the same or different species, but one actually was housed with a large lizard in the same enclosure. All snakes And the lizard were only housed with same type(venomous or non venomous) companions. An example is there was a type of rattlesnake with either a cottonmouth or copperhead(not sure which it was) and a pair of a very small species of rattlesnake that actually sleep in the same spot. Also, 2 rather large anaconda shared a watering hole. So again, just wondering why it works for a zoo, when hobbyists(not breeders) won't cohabitate. And even more confusing to be is the snake and the lizard duo. The snake was some type of rattlesnake I think, and all I remember about the lizard is that he was also poisonous/venomous. Anyway, thanks for any knowledge you may have!

[JoshSloane]

That's a great question, and likely there isn't a correct answer. As herpetoculture evolves, what we hold as dogma now might become heresy in 25 years. Some might say that zoos have the resources, staff and enclosure capabilities to be able to co-habitate different species. Although it is generally looked down upon to house reptiles together, the fact is that many do it successfully, but only under the correct circumstances and situation. I personally have seen monitors and sulcatas basking together in complete harmony. Is that advisable to the average herper? Definitely not. But with the correct enclosure, circumstances and the right duo of animals, professional organizations can pull it off. Keep in mind that what you see behind the glass at the zoo isn't always the full situation. It could take a ton of time to find suitable matches.

Also, zoos sometimes just get it completely wrong. Ive seen zoos using High wattage UVB bulbs for snakes.

[Aztec4mia]

In my opinion, it is directly related to the resources, staff and knowledge the zoo's have on hand, I assume that there is some "hollywood-type" drama to it they use to wow visitors. If you are in this hobby long enough you will find that a majority of the "rules" to keeping reptiles are geared towards newcomers. The fact is that there are plenty of keepers who house reptiles together, but there are also certain risks that they agree to take on in doing so. If it was accepted to house reptiles together there would be a thousand more "what is wrong with my snake" posts. In general, if you have basic husbandry questions for one reptile you should not be looking into advanced keeping techniques until you have mastered those. There is also the whole breeding aspect and keeping reptiles separate to maintain accurate records.