Get ready to cancel your Animal Planet station...

Primates and Big Cats and Snakes, Oh My...Animal Planet Explores Cautionary Tales of Love Doomed From the Start


What causes this human fascination with dangerous animals?

- FATAL ATTRACTIONS miniseries premieres Sunday, March 14 -

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- "I don't regret any of it," says Julie Burros, former owner of a full-grown black leopard that nearly killed her. "The only thing I regret is that I lost my JoJo."

Julie has loved animals all her life, so when she came across a black leopard for sale in an exotic pet magazine, she jumped at the opportunity and brought home Jovani, who she affectionately called JoJo. One ordinary February afternoon, Julie suffered the shock of her life. In his backyard enclosure, Jovani unexpectedly jumped on Julie and nearly ripped off her ear. Jovani's wild instincts set in -- once he caught scent of the blood, he pinned down Julie and tore off a good portion of her scalp with his teeth. From then, a sequence of events put the cops in Julie's back yard and four bullets -- two in Jovani's belly, one in his hip and one to his head. Julie lived but Jovani didn't.

Exotic pet ownership is not as rare as one might think -- or as wildlife experts would wish. Millions of exotic animals are brought to the United States in any given year. A significant number of these pets have the potential to severely injure or kill their owners, neighbors or family. In FATAL ATTRACTIONS, ANIMAL PLANET'S three-part miniseries premiering Sunday, March 14, at 10 PM ET/PT, get inside the minds of people who own venomous reptiles, deadly big cats and chimpanzees as we try to understand what drives their obsessions and offer a cautionary tale. While their love, admiration and intrigue is genuine, these exotic pet owners often ignore the fact that their choice of a pet could cost them, innocent bystanders or their beloved pets their lives. Why is it that some people are comfortable with domestic pets like cats and dogs but others find companionship and love from animals that have the strong potential to kill them?

"Many of the characteristics of animal hoarding appear to be present in many of the cases of dangerous, exotic animal ownership," says Josephine Martell, program director of the Captive Wild Animal Protection Campaign. Martell's background is in animal welfare policy, and she has first hand knowledge of exotic pet ownership through investigative work and animal rescues. "In particular, many owners of dangerous animals, such as big cats, are in complete denial about the needs or safety concerns of large, free-ranging carnivores. Many of these owners, like animal hoarders, also profess to love their animals regardless of the conditions they may be keeping them in and seem to believe that the animals truly love them in return.

"It's common for exotic animal owners to believe they have a special kinship with their animals," says Martel, "often to a degree that becomes extreme when they compromise their own and others safety as well as the welfare of the animals."

Montana resident Jeanne Rizzotto, owner of two young adult male chimpanzees Connor and Kramer, is fully aware of the risk of parenting two primates; however, her love for these chimps seems to outweigh her concern for her own life. Having purchased these primates under what she describes as false pretenses -- the previous owner told her one would go to AIDS research and the other would be put down -- Jeanne vowed to give "her boys" the best life possible. And even though Jeanne personally knew the infamous Travis the Chimp, who brutally disfigured Charla Nash last February in Connecticut -- Travis is Kramer and Connor's half brother -- Jeanne remains faithful to her conviction that she's doing the right thing, "her thing." Both Jeanne's story and the tragic tale of Travis and Charla Nash are told in the third episode of FATAL ATTRACTIONS.

Not everyone has been as fortunate as Jeanne or even Julie; both of the people featured in FATAL ATTRACTIONS' reptile episode are deceased. One man was presumed eaten alive by one of his many monitor lizards, and one woman didn't survive the bite of her pet viper.

"I discourage venomous reptile ownership of any kind," says Winston Card, expert herpetologist who has several decades experience with reptiles and anti-venom research. "I consider this type of 'pet' ownership as extreme because not only does it put the owner at risk and everyone who comes in contact with the venomous reptile, but the risk also reverberates outward to the zoo community."

In each hour-long episode, several exotic pet ownership cases are carefully reenacted, scrutinized and questioned. Human behavior experts and animal authorities bring forth their educated opinions and analysis. Owners unhesitatingly share their experiences with exotic pets and offer explanations as to why their love for these deadly animals are worth the risk for something horrible -- even death -- to happen.

FATAL ATTRACTIONS kicks off with the reptile episode March 14, at 10 PM ET/PT followed by the March 21 premiere of big cats and the March 28 premiere of chimpanzees.

FATAL ATTRACTIONS is produced for Animal Planet by Oxford Scientific Films. Executive producer for Oxford Scientific Films is Caroline Hawkins; Clare Birks is CEO for Oxford Scientific Films. Erin Wanner is executive producer for Animal Planet. Vice President of Development for Animal Planet is Charlie Foley.

Animal Planet Media (APM), a multi-media business unit of Discovery Communications, is the world's only entertainment brand that immerses viewers in the full range of life in the animal kingdom with rich, deep content via multiple platforms and offers animal lovers and pet owners access to a centralized online, television and mobile community for immersive, engaging, high-quality entertainment, information and enrichment. APM consists of the Animal Planet television network, available in more than 96 million homes in the US; online assets www.animalplanet.com, the ultimate online destination for all things animal; the 24/7 broadband channel, Animal Planet Beyond; Petfinder.com, the #1 pet-related Web property globally that facilitates pet adoption; and other media platforms including a robust Video-on-Demand (VOD) service; mobile content; and merchandising extensions.

SOURCE Animal Planet

RELATED LINKS
http://www.animalplanet.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...-80717062.html

http://animal.discovery.com/utilitie...relations.html

There's some points in there that ARE okay, and some unimaginable ones too.

Bad thing about something like this is it just adds fuel to the fire.

Granted they may not talk about non-venomous pets per-se, most people just associate the term "exotic" pets with chimps and cats and the like....

So they encourage laws that abolish "exotic" pet ownership!

While due to their own ignorance, get much more commonly kept species banned as well.

Why would someone cancel their AP over this series?

I won't be watching this.

It does seem like well planned "sensationalization" though doesn't it?

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Originally Posted by bsd13

Why would someone cancel their AP over this series?

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Originally Posted by ER12

Not everyone has been as fortunate as Jeanne or even Julie; both of the people featured in FATAL ATTRACTIONS' reptile episode are deceased. One man was presumed eaten alive by one of his many monitor lizards, and one woman didn't survive the bite of her pet viper.

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Great, they're already hyping the "Reptile" Episode with death. How convenient that the whole episode is on all of those dangerous Reptiles... :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by MarkieJ

Great, they're already hyping the "Reptile" Episode with death. How convenient that the whole episode is on all of those dangerous Reptiles... :rolleyes:

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so dangerous. my crested gecko is going to kill me in my sleep.


... I'd be more worried of my 18 pound cat suffocating me with love by accident. He's a face snuggler.

I don't really understand what the problem is.

Exotic Mammals are generally dangerous as pets, like large cats and primates. They should not be pets at all IMO. I think venomous reptiles are dangerous as well and are a bit too easy to get on the market for irresponsible owners. I think educated people (even if it takes permits or tests) should have every right to keep them, but it's so difficult to discriminate one exotic pet from another.

Either way, the show is just showing dangers of those 3 types of exotic animals. It doesn't say anything about constrictors, and I'm fine with it. Animal Planet has been known to be incorrect on some of their information in the past, I wouldn't be surprised if it happens again.

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Originally Posted by 2kdime

I won't be watching this.

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I will be, so I can write a reasoned letter that addresses the multiple issues I expect to have.

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

I think venomous reptiles are dangerous as well and are a bit too easy to get on the market for irresponsible owners.

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I'd possibly think the same way except for one fact:

There has NEVER been ONE DARN SINGLE DEATH from a venomous reptile kept in captivity in the US EVER, despite hundreds of thousands (possibly even millions?) being kept by keepers both responsible and irresponsible alike.

There is no arguing the inherent dangers, but even the most dangerous of dangerous reptiles are safer keeping as pets than just about any other hobby out there.

You can't even use the "danger to the public" argument, as I believe there has never been one instance of a stranger getting hurt by either an escaped large constrictor or venomous reptile.

As I have said many, many, many times before on various forums and sites, united we stand, divided we fall. Whether you keep or even like a particular species or not, this will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the public's perception of keeping reptiles, and even exotic animals as a whole. Do not believe for one moment that the AR groups will be satisfied with banning just the big cats and primates. They are against the keeping of ANY exotic or non domesticated species according to HSUS's own website:
“Should Individuals Keep Wild or Exotic Animals as Pets?

No. Wild and exotic (non-native) animals are unsuitable for home rearing and handling. … “

Given all of the existing negative press surrounding reptiles and the federal bills such as S373/HR2811, we do not need even more sensationalized programming from stations such as AP adding fuel to the fire against us. Ever since AP's relaunch a year or two ago, they have been increasingly focused on the sensationalism and fear factor themed shows, as evidenced by their own statement regarding their relaunch. Given this fact I feel I can safely assume that this show too will likely be mostly sensationalized garbage taken straight from the animal rights extremists.
The goal is to move from being perceived by viewers as paternalistic, preachy, and observation-based to being seen as active, entertaining and edgy. That means targeting adults 25-49, rather than full families, with less voice-of-God narration and more visceral imagery and sounds. Think of it as swapping a drab narrator saying that a lion is about to kill its prey for the blood-curdling scream of the doomed creature as it meets its demise.
—Anne Becker, Broadcasting & Cable

That is why I do not like or watch AP anymore and will be considering canceling their channel unless serious changes are made again to their programming. Call my actions harsh or overkill, but I'm not one to simply sit back passively whenever something that affects me come along whether it is legislation or public relations.

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

I don't really understand what the problem is.

Exotic Mammals are generally dangerous as pets, like large cats and primates. They should not be pets at all IMO. I think venomous reptiles are dangerous as well and are a bit too easy to get on the market for irresponsible owners. I think educated people (even if it takes permits or tests) should have every right to keep them, but it's so difficult to discriminate one exotic pet from another.

Either way, the show is just showing dangers of those 3 types of exotic animals. It doesn't say anything about constrictors, and I'm fine with it. Animal Planet has been known to be incorrect on some of their information in the past, I wouldn't be surprised if it happens again.

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I will watch it and hope that they show both sides. I think unfortunately there are ppl that get lax when they deal with exotic pets....which makes it bad for all of us. I would hope that instead of being NO EXOTICS...they would show that you have to be on your toes at all times, be it with large constrictors...big cats ....hots ....or monkeys. Which personally I don't trust monkeys at all after working with them at the zoo. They scare the crap outta me. The person before me lost use of half of her hand due to a bite.

But again it is a chance that you take working with exotics. I personally would never have a hot in my house. But that is me...with that being said...I think it should be someones personal choice.

Ok...I will jump down from my soapbox now....lol:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

I'd possibly think the same way except for one fact:There has NEVER been ONE DARN SINGLE DEATH from a venomous reptile kept in captivity in the US EVER, despite hundreds of thousands (possibly even millions?) being kept by keepers both responsible and irresponsible alike.

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I wish this statement was correct, but unfortunately there have been documented deaths in the United States.

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Originally Posted by ER12

I wish this statement was correct, but unfortunately there have been documented deaths in the United States.

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I was pretty sure there were as well, that's why I was confused.

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

I'd possibly think the same way except for one fact:

There has NEVER been ONE DARN SINGLE DEATH from a venomous reptile kept in captivity in the US EVER, despite hundreds of thousands (possibly even millions?) being kept by keepers both responsible and irresponsible alike.

There is no arguing the inherent dangers, but even the most dangerous of dangerous reptiles are safer keeping as pets than just about any other hobby out there.

You can't even use the "danger to the public" argument, as I believe there has never been one instance of a stranger getting hurt by either an escaped large constrictor or venomous reptile.

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I would like to know where you get your information from too before you say that there hasn't been a single death in the U.S. from a captive venomous reptile.

I'm not saying I agree with the program, because I don't. I just want to make sure information is straight.

The fact remains that if a person chooses to keep animals like this and has them properly caged, it should not be anyone else's business. THE ONLY TIME WE GET INTO TROUBLE IS WHEN THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP THEM SCREW UP!

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Originally Posted by ER12

I wish this statement was correct, but unfortunately there have been documented deaths in the United States.

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hrmph, I had a source bookmarked some time ago, but you're totally right as I've come across a couple sources with this info:

http://www.rexano.org/Statistics/ven...e_fatality.pdf

16 deaths 1990-2008

I agree with the poster who said that education could be extremely helpful in all of this. Leopards are known to be the most untrustworthy of all big cats and absolutely the worst for someone with no exotic cat experience. If that woman had done some research beforehand, it would have been less likely to have happened. The same with hots. No-one should have one for their first snake, IMO. It takes time and experience to get to that level of snake keeping. Here's hoping the programs leave the door open that with education and training it is possible to safely keep exotics as companion animals and not just encourage that they all should be banned.

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Originally Posted by ER12

Given this fact I feel I can safely assume that this show too will likely be mostly sensationalized garbage taken straight from the animal rights extremists.
The goal is to move from being perceived by viewers as paternalistic, preachy, and observation-based to being seen as active, entertaining and edgy. That means targeting adults 25-49, rather than full families, with less voice-of-God narration and more visceral imagery and sounds. Think of it as swapping a drab narrator saying that a lion is about to kill its prey for the blood-curdling scream of the doomed creature as it meets its demise.
—Anne Becker, Broadcasting & Cable

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This is also why I hate the new wildlife shows. I don't want "edgy", I would rather have the truth and learn. That lady probably thinks nature is boring and needs to be "spiced up". But I think that most people who watch nature programs are already fascinated and don't need the extra effects and fear-based shows.

But the entire channel isn't bad. Big Cat Diary and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom are both great shows. Also they play Jeff Corwin, Steve Irwin, and I think David Attenborough sometimes, who are amazing.

I just learned that AP is also airing a two hour show called "Killer Aliens" on the same night. How much is everyone willing to bet that they are going to use the USGS reports, buddy up with Bill Nelson, and ignore the science on this one?

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KILLER ALIENS

World Premiere Sunday, March 14, from 8-10 PM (ET/PT)

Welcome to America's invasive species ground zero: Florida. The Sunshine State is overrun by giant rats, lizards, feral hogs and lethal pythons-non-native species that have been imported by humans. Once released, these foreign invaders wreak havoc on a land that is not their own. With no natural predators, their populations continue to spread throughout the state. The front lines are expanding, and no one knows where they are headed next.

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

hrmph, I had a source bookmarked some time ago, but you're totally right as I've come across a couple sources with this info:

http://www.rexano.org/Statistics/ven...e_fatality.pdf

16 deaths 1990-2008

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And we tend to have a coronary whenever the people who want to get rid of our snakes post misinformation!!!:rolleyes::rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by BiggBaddWolf

And we tend to have a coronary whenever the people who want to get rid of our snakes post misinformation!!!:rolleyes::rolleyes:

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"KILLER ALIENS

World Premiere Sunday, March 14, from 8-10 PM (ET/PT)

Welcome to America's invasive species ground zero: Florida. The Sunshine State is overrun by giant rats, lizards, feral hogs and lethal pythons-non-native species that have been imported by humans. Once released, these foreign invaders wreak havoc on a land that is not their own. With no natural predators, their populations continue to spread throughout the state. The front lines are expanding, and no one knows where they are headed next."

Lethal? Lethal to whome?? Well are we going to be talking to these people now too? It seems we need to start focusing more on the media and less on our senators. These are the people who will convince the general public of these lies. Since everything you see on TV is always the truth ya know :weirdface

The thing is.. In reality the burmese are the only animals out there aside from the alligators that can help control the problem of feral pigs and gambian pouched rats. Those darn gambians are part of the reason we can no longer have ASF's brought into the USA anymore..

Steve Irwin is rolling over in his grave right now. Man I wish we still had him around to help clarify things.

With this subject I look to Darwin. Survival of the fittest. If you take on more than you can chew, ignorance is not an excuse. We're animals just like them and the second we act too "human" and they take advantage of that opportunity, it's our fault not theirs. People go to work and are more at risk for death there than if they owned a cobra. We all make our own choices and should be allowed to suffer the consequences.

With the programming they have now and with these upcomming shows they should be called HSUS TV.

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Originally Posted by snakemastercanada

With the programming they have now and with these upcomming shows they should be called HSUS TV.

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They should be renamed to "H$U$ Propaganda Planet".

i get what everyone's saying about sensationalism... i really do, but that's everywhere in TV, people understand that - even non-reptile people believe it or not.

but, i don't get how this goes against what we (as herp keepers) stand for... exotic pet ownership IS dangerous many times. big cats, primates, large constrictors, and venomous animals really should not be kept by the vast majority of the general public... i don't know how anybody could dispute this fact?

the fact that so many people don't see a problem with all the dolts that own big varanids, large constrictors and venomous snakes is an issue in and of itself... you let your guard down, you get hurt or killed. that's not to say that no private citizens should have them, but most should not.