OUR ANIMALS  The animals used in our programs are almost all orphans rescued from a variety of unfortunate situations. Some are unwanted or abused pets, others were confiscated by authorities, still others were picked up in neighborhoods, along roads, from abandoned apartments or humane organizations. These animals are important to us and are given appropriate foods, habitat, medical care and a safe, secure home for the rest of their lives.    We are not a pet store. Snakes-N-Scales is part of an amazing network of state and local officials, humane, rehab and zoological professionals working constantly toward the proper care, rescue and preservation of animals both in the wild and in captivity.

Critters Page 2       "Arid and Xeric" Bearded Dragons These cute little guys are found in the deserts of Australia hunting small insects and defending their modest plot of sand against rival dragons. Their small size and ease of care make them popular pets. "Gums" Yellow Anaconda Though nothing like the monsters they are often portrayed as, the Anaconda can reach 400 pounds and over 23 feet in length. All five species live in South America. Anacondas are constrictors and eat a variety of animals including capybara (giant Guinea pigs), caiman, ocelots, monkeys and parrots. Gums was one of many victims of abuse, she was rescued from a pet store.         TOP       "Wendl" Common Snapping Turtle Six years ago, a friend rescued a turtle the size of a quarter from a neglectful owner and brought it to me in a "Wendy's" salad container. Wendl has learned not to bite when he's out of the water, but we still can't potty train him! "Blue" American Alligator Blue is a four or five year old gator who was found in the back of a pick-up truck while driving through town. To own a gator or croc, you must possess a special permit. Without the proper permits, gators are illegal. All alligators and crocodiles require experienced handlers. We have the proper permits and are one of the few organizations allowed to use these types of animals in educational settings.         TOP       "Shakespeare" Albino Burmese Python Shakespeare was bred for beauty, but is too big to be practical. These lovely snakes can grow to be two hundred pounds. Shakespeare was part of an acting troop until he got too big for the act. "Siphon" Matamata Turtle Siphon certainly is the most bizarre turtle and one of the strangest looking animals. The matamata is a fish vacuum dressed up to look like a floating log. This log-like appearance keeps matamatas out of the jaws of predators like the jaguar.   Critters Page 2 TOP       Email:bill@snakes-n-scales.com Phone: 973-248-9964   All photographs are the property of Snakes-n-Scales and Turtle Tales and may not be used without permission. Photographs by Joe Boesenberg