The problem with stigmatizing anthropomorphism is that some people who pride themselves on their “advanced” understanding of reptiles use it as an argument to unconsciously obstruct progress in the industry. Does any of this sound familiar?
“Reptiles don’t care about how much space they have as long as they can move around a bit, thermoregulate, and have enough to eat.”
“Reptiles don’t have emotions.”
“They’re just reptiles – they don’t care what you put in their viv.”
And so instead of helping, ignorant cries of “anthropomorphism!” — much like “witchcraft!” — can obstruct any improvement in our understanding of reptiles and their husbandry. We are so afraid of being accused of anthropomorphism in our various forums and communities that we have reduced these beings to stupid animals that don’t think and don’t need anything but the bare necessities of survival. This has justified harmful practices such as surgery without postoperative pain medication in the past, and minimalist keeping in the modern day.
I think we hear a whole lot of the above passage on this forum. Repeatedly and often rudely!
I think this was a great article and I hope a lot of people on here read it. I especially like the parts about creating better more enriching enclosures for our reptiles. Enclosures that at least attempt to mimic the animals natural habitat.
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