This is way cool... Rainbow supperstar...

[Craiga 01453]

Ok, I've been hesitant to reply until I read the reply @Gio wrote. Fantastic reply, Gio.

So here's my two cents:

Skyrivers, let me start by saying this: I respect you.
That being said, I've thought for a LONG time you were diving in a bit too fast and if my lousy memory recalls correctly, I suggested pumping the breaks long ago. I stand by that statement.

Although I don't doubt your passion, I do question your motives at times. Based on your constant threads of " Should I or shouldn't i?" or "I have an oppurtunity" it seems to me like your grasping for attention. Same with your "educational" shows. I honestly believe your heart is in the right place, you want to be an advocate. I get that. But I 1000000% in my heart of hearts think you do it for attention as well.

Plain and simple: you're not qualified to be an ambassador for these animals.
Barely a year of experience is just scratching the surface. And you've been doing these shows for months already.

I wouldn't want to learn to play piano from somebody who just started playing a year ago. I wouldn't want to learn to cook from a chef with only a year experience. I wouldn't want to learn to fly from a pilot who just got his license.

Again, I don't doubt your passion, I don't doubt you want to spread the word that these animals aren't the scary, homicidal monsters many people fear them to be.
But, you're just not ready. One mistake could have the complete opposite effect you're going for and paint a black eye on our already misunderstood hobby. Ypuve already had an incident with a key ring, you've had one giant constrictor attack another.
You got EXTREMELY lucky that nothing worse happened.

At the stage you're at in this hobby, you're still a novice, NOT AN EDUCATOR.

So, with all due respect, I say this again. Pump the brakes. Our hobby doesn't need rookies as ambassadors. And quite frankly, you're still a rookie. It takes YEARS to truly know these animals. And all the reading in rhe wotld doesnt provide the most important tool...experience.

So, check your ego at the door. Take a break from your "educational" shows until you're qualified and experienced enough to be a proper ambassador.

As you always say, it's about the animals. So put your desire for attention on the back burner. I'm sure it feels great to see kids touch their first snakes, or to see an adult overcome a lifelong fear. But, leave that to friends and family. Keep your animals at home where they belong. Put your need for a pat on the back on hold. Do what's best for the hobby, and ultimately, what's best for the animals.