Rainforest Cafe Abuses Reptiles!

[zhang317]

During Spring Break, a group of friends and I went to Niagara Falls, where we went to the Rainforest Cafe for a bite to eat. However, at the entrance of the restaurant, I was applaud by their mistreatment of reptiles.

There were two glass exhibits containing a pair of Red Footed Tortoises, and a African Rock Python:

Firstly, the enclosures were very badly set up. In terms of temperature, both tanks had only one heat lamp each, which no temperature monitoring devices. The ambient air as well as the cool zone temperatures must have be terrible, as the tanks were placed near the entrance of the restaurant where there was constantly cold drafts blowing in from outside. I do not know the specific requirements of these species, but from the messy substrate, and unfilled water bowl, the poor general condition of the enclosures, I cannot imagine how this can be an appealing decoration.

What upset me the most was how the guests were constantly knocking on the tanks, to get some kind of reaction from the reptiles, whom they treated not as animals but as live decoration or free entertainment. Also, the tanks were placed by where the guests line up and wait for their tables, thus a very noisily and busy area. Furthermore, there was not only no sign addressing not to knock on the tanks, but also, the staff members there did not stop any of this foul conduct. What was even more upsetting was the fact it was not only the kids who knocked on tanks, but adults also. Watching a parent knock on the glass while holding a child, was simply depressing. It is impossible not to understand knocking on the cage of an animal will stress out the animal. There is no excuse for this kind of behavior.



What can we do to stop this?

[DutchHerp]

nothing

[zhang317]

nothing

I believe there is something that everyone of us can to. Even calling the restaurant and making simple complaint can have some effect. If there is enough people who call, the management of the restaurant will pay more attention to the treatment of their reptiles.

When I created this threat, I was hoping members of this forum, such as professional breeders, reptile veterinarians, zoo workers, etc; aka those who have a significant standing in the world of herps can help. I am just a student, and as a reptiles lover, I think I am doing a good thing by helping raise the proper awareness for reptiles. If it was a puppy getting mistreated instead of a python, I think people would be all over this.

[disabled.101]

Sadly I have to agree with DutchHerp. Life isn't fair and the mistreatment of animals is world-wide. The most you can do is call them but don't expect any change. Sorry mate

[SnM_Man]

i dont wanna sound like a na-sayer but as far as temps n over all climate control they could very well have thermostats and other monitors set up with probes ... and a far as traffic goes is it that different from a busy pet store or zoo for that matter ??... the ine thing u should have done was complain to the owner manager and threatin to call the humain society or what ever the proper athorities would be- only after you get ur food ofcourse lol ... i dont think this classifies as abuse but thanks for bringing it forward... and at the very least call the health board having live animals ina resturant has got to be borderline violations

[frankykeno]

I don't see any problem with simply asking to speak with the Cafe manager/owner. Explain your concerns regarding the environment and the constant rapping on the glass by the customers. Be polite, show your concern for the animals within their display without being rude or confrontational to the staff. That's the first step I'd take.

[wolfy-hound]

I'd also advise contacting the manager, and addressing your concerns that the tank did not have proper temps, and the knocking on the glass by the public.
You can't be certain the temps are not correct, and asking the manager what the temps are maintained at, and how they measure them, etc, just as if it were any uninformed owner, might gain you some changes.
I doubt they would move them far, since the public is attracted by exotics on display. Animals in zoo exhibits do decently despite people gawking at them, and knocking on the glass. Since the AfRock is sitting out, I guess it would be hiding in the pot if it was terribly stressed(just guessing, but my snakes hide when stressed).
Ask your friends locally to call in some concern as well.

[zhang317]

I double checked and I am positive there where no temperature monitoring devices whatsoever.

The African Rock Python, A. cannot fit entirely in the pot because he is too big, and B. will not go there because the pot is on the cool side of the tank, and it is way too cold.

Trust me, I'm just a student, aka in the eyes of a big shot manager of Rainforest Cafe who have literality thousands of customers each day, just a kid. Like I said, I brought this up on the forum, hoping some one with some real power in the herp world could help.

Thank you all for your concerns

[ZinniaZ]

Well, just a kid or not, start with a phone call. Follow up with an email and a written note. Maintain a sense of politeness and concern for the animal and I am certain they will at least listen. Maybe some local herp people could go over there together to talk with them.

[ARamos8]

I say speak to the manager and hope for the best. Some things are just simply out of our control and wish that folks would educate themselves a bit more when deciding to use reptiles as marketing props.

On a lighter note, we were just there (in Houston) for happy heart day and had a blast. Ours only has fish tanks though ...