Sad Life for a Sav

[annostic]

Went to the OC Fair in Costa Mesa, CA this weekend and saw the below situation at a Reptile "Petting" Zoo being put on by Prehistoric Pets through their Jurassic Zoo group. Granted many of these animals end up in situations like this due to un-educated pet owners but this is teaching and showing young kids and adults that this is how the "professionals" keep their animals and ultimately make educating them when they do end up on the forums that much harder.

I'm still figuring out how/if I want to address this situation and am open to ideas from anyone, especially if you know or deal with the store directly and might be able to address this in a friendly manner.



They also have a Black Throat and a Salvator on display in similar set ups... if I remember correctly the 4+' salvator's cage was maybe 3' high... the fair continues through august 15 if anyone is in the area and wants to see for themselves.

[Raptor]

It doesn't seem any worse than what I've seen reptiles in at shows. Your picture also doesn't show the entire size of the enclosure.

[Elise.m]

Although I don't like prehistoric pets, most display cages don't depict what the actual husbandry requirements are of the displayed animal. Did you go up to them and ask them about the requirements of this animal? Maybe people who are interested in the species will get appropiate information if they inquire. But for the most part, the animal is on display to make people want to buy it. Most display cages aren't meeting husbandry requirements at a show.

[Teclis]

I agree with you, but I would also wonder if this is a poorly set up "temporary display" cage. I'm not trying to excuse the horrendous conditions, but it could still not be the "full" setup for them.

[redstormlax12]

t doesn't seem any worse than what I've seen reptiles in at shows. Your picture also doesn't show the entire size of the enclosure.

Most animals at shows are there to be sold, then put in permanent enclosures. An even animals there for show aren't in their permanent enclosure. They are there for a day or two and then go home to their real enclosure.

Though I do agree there isn't a complete picture of the enclosure. I know prehistoric pets is a pretty big breeder and produces some great animals. Im not sure the whole story is here. I haven't heard anything bad about prehistoric pets and I dont want to jump to any conclusions. Though the sav cage could use some changing.

[Elise.m]

I haven't heard anything bad about prehistoric pets and I dont want to jump to any conclusions.

Really? I hate to be a negative Nancy, but search their name on here and watch some of Jay's YT videos. They're a mass breeder, but they're not as good as others.

[annostic]

It's was an educational display for children so yes has to be temporary, despite it looking really similar to the ones at their shop. I understand it can't be a full display of the animals husbandry all though the shape and condition of the animal can. Plus the display is/will be up from july 16th - aug 15th.

But for an educational display I had to wonder about things especially when the tag said:

Savannah Monitor - Varanus albigularis
6 feet
I am fairly Robust
carnivore

maybe I have my facts wrong but shouldn't the tag say:

Savannah Monitor - Varanus exanthematicus
3-4 feet
I am generally a muscular stocky predator, but as you can see in captivity I usually end up being fat because people think I am a carnivore when in fact I am an insectivore. I also like to dig into deep soil to get exercise and escape the dry heat staying hydrated.

[redstormlax12]

After posting that i have heard nothing bad i remembered that i had. Ive heard of them cutting clutches extremely early and also scooping out snakes.

[slayer]

Has anyone else noticed how dehydrated and morbidly obese that Sav looks? Regardless if that is a temporary display or its actual enclosure, that is a very sick animal that is obviously receaving horrible care.

[redstormlax12]

Has anyone else noticed how dehydrated and morbidly obese that Sav looks? Regardless if that is a temporary display or its actual enclosure, that is a very sick animal that is obviously receaving horrible care.

Wow I totally looked over that. We were all so focused on the husbandry that we didn't look at the effects of the husbandry. He could use to lose almost half his body weight.