Snakes get a bad rap, but they actually deserve a beautiful ballad. Western diamondback rattlesnakes, for instance, are advancing medical research with their venom, which is used to help treat strokes and heart attacks. Animal Care Assistant Gretchen Gantz is on a team that dedicates a large portion of their time to build an appreciation for the not-so-fearsome animals: the reptile and amphibian crew at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Rattlesnake Canyon, the newest exhibit inside of the Desert Dome, features two species of rattlesnake—the Western diamondback being one of them—and provides guests with an opportunity to see the reptiles up close. Rest assured, they typically live quiet and sedentary lives and have no intention or willingness to approach humans. Their relaxed environment says it all. To maintain the peace in their exhibit, and overall trust of these venomous reptiles, the keepers engage in a hands-off process, using special hooks to handle the snakes when performing basic husbandry, medical procedures and to feed. #ReptileAwarenessDay
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 05:36:45 +0000
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