Promoting herp hobby

[tigerlily]

I was just curious what you guys think is the most effective method of promoting reptiles in general. They get such a bad rap, and are generally disliked. (I am hoping to try and start doing small educational trips to my children's schools.) I don't want to force my animals down people's throats, but I do want to expose as many people as I can to these wonderful animals. Any other ideas?

[Shelby]

Hm.. well I share knowledge with people whenever I can, and I occasionally will bring one of my snakes (one of the nice ones lol) into Petsmart (where I work) to show to co-workers, and whoever else is interested. Letting people see them up close and ask questions often does help.

[kavmon]

schools,zoos,daycare. i think starting with the kids and then going to the parents would be effective. seperating all the myths about herps. more captive breeding and less import garbage. alot of people will buy something cheap as an impulse buy(imports), and then have it not do well or die. then they are a little jaded about herps or worse it was so cheap they become disposable! true education and quality reptiles are my thoughts!


vaughn

[jglass38]

Education all the way. Reptile shows at schools, zoos, etc. Its going to take time and effort to make it happen.

[Jake_la_serpiente]

I have been to several schools. Starting in the first grade, around here, the students start learning about dinosaurs and reptiles. I went once and have been invited back going on 4 years now.

I take my most docile pythons (my burm and one of my bp's), for the kiddies to see and interact with. I bring pictures of the area reptiles that they may come in contact with, and what they should do when they encounter them. I also give a brief description of the retiples, and how they play a very important role in our eco-system.

Another way I am getting involved is with our local Animal Control, and we are in talks about calling me when a snake is needed to be removed or relocated from a business or residence, when they are in need of the extra help.

I love doing what I can for the community, and educating others when I can, on what I love...HERPS!

[basuca]

my brother tol his teacher that I have snakes, so she sed tell him to bring it, I did and it was so cool every kid(they were 3grade) were so exated to see my ball python, they touch it and I talk about it and every one was so interested in it, I was happy to see that all most non of them were scared and was very happy to see the snake and grab him, and learn things about it, hope to do it againd some day

[alexrls]

i borught Monty to my brothers class once and the kids enjoyed it so much that they asked me to come back again the next day for a continuation. I told them i would come back without Monty because i didnt want to stress him out. So the next day i came in with pics of some common reptiles and gave them some basic general herp information.

[tigerlily]

I think it very encouraging to hear that so many of you guys work activitely to increase awareness for these creatures. When you take these animals to schools, what information do you present?

[alexrls]

well i wasnt like planning for it to becvome a two day event so i was really only giving a BP demonstration (oh and a very effective fun tool is the kids thinking its a lecture about snakes and then surpriseing them with the snake itself)


i started with snakes as a group then

told them about different kinds of snakes.

then i narrow it down to constrictors then

then pythons
>and heres where i brought Monty out
then ball pythons
i told them about habitat, diet, dimensions, shedding (bring sheds kids love em),the BP market, and so on

DAY TWO:

not a snake oriented day but more of a reptile class and i told them about local reptiles and where to find them.

Basicly it an hour filled with fun facts about reptiles u know, bring in fun facts like Tauraturas and Komodo Dragons and largest snakes and the Basilisk Lizard
and pictures are a must

thats how i did it.

[4theSNAKElady]

I am hoping to try and start doing small educational trips to my children's schools

tigerlily, been there, done that, still doin' it. the kids, and teachers loooove it! they are full of questions, and many ask for info to take home to their parents. I want to eventually do this as a buisiness, as i have already seen people do.


Oh, and PS...I think I have an appointment this week at an elementary school....if ya like, I can send you pics of the happy event!