Keeping the true giants is something that, for me, was desired from day one, but not actually accomplished until many years with smaller, yet similar snakes like boa constrictors.

Learning how to "read" the snake takes time. Learning how to get a snake to "trust" you takes time. Once the knowledge is acquired, however, it can be applied to almost all species of reptile, though I have not worked with venomous species yet. I use patience, scent and behavioural cues (and audible ones with lizards and crocodilians who can hear them) to accomplish this "trust".

To me, there is nothing more rewarding than interacting with these fascinating creatures such as large snakes, large monitors and tegus and crocodilians knowing full well that if you follow the protocols, so will they.

Chris