GREAT NEWS KELOWNA!

GREAT NEWS KELOWNA! CrocTalk Zoo Society was officially incorporated under the Society Act on March 12, 2014, at 3:42 PM, Pacific Time. Now lets work together to create an incredible educational, entertaining attraction and Zoo facility in Kelowna for All to enjoy and be proud of!
We are looking for a permanent location NOW close to hwy or on hwy. I’ve always promised becoming a Non Profit Organization now it’s reality. Please help CrocTalk Zoo Society to it’s final permanent location here in Kelowna. Thank You Kelowna for your patience and support!

Dreams Become Reality!

Just a thought….When there’s a strong desire within you to express or create something, know that this feeling is of Universal in making. Your longing is your calling— and no matter what it is, if you go with it, you’ll be guided, guarded, and assured of success. When a purpose or path is laid before you, you have the choice to just “trust the process” and let it flow, or remain stuck in fear. Trusting the perfection that resides within you is the key…NEVER GIVE UP!

CrocTalk Zoo Nominated for Best of Kelowna 2013

CrocTalk Zoo, Kelowna’s very own Zoo and the ONLY facility of it’s kind in the province of BC, has been nominated for the “Best of Kelowna 2013” in one category. I understand 5 nominations are necessary to continue to the next round of voting. I and our animals, would appreciate your support in this nomination process. Believe in conservation and education? Believe in our Cause? Believe that crocodiles Need Love Too? Believe in CrocTalk Zoo? Then please go to the site on poster and lets make this 2013 a great year for CrocTalk. There will be a PRESS RELEASE in May/June on our new location. This outcome may assist our Directors in some positive encouragement on our future direction. I have never given up in confronting ALL of our challenges, politically and personally. Let’s ensure CrocTalk Zoo has a future here so I’m asking that you don’t give up on our Cause…blessings & thanks

The Photo Warrior at CrocTalk Zoo

Jason Humber, the Photo Warrior is an incredible photo journalist. Travels all over the world capturing memorable videos of amazing people, places and things. Jason is a good friend of http://www.CrocTalk.com and I recommend The Photo Warrior and friends anytime! Well done Jason.

Gettin’ Happy with the McGators!

Lucy and me…some downtime

 

Working with Alli and Lucy McGator

I started working with Alli McGator , an American Alligator about 10 years ago (now 12 years old). I had an idea to see if I could do something unique regarding behavior with an animal that has a history of being very difficult or even impossible to work with according to experts. Some of those in the scientific community believe that because crocodilians are not mammals that they do not have the ability to understand. I think they do. If 7’2” Alli McGator (this one in particular) knows her name and responds to some simple commands (stop, back, down, no, come and up) …well, isn’t that understanding? Just a thought. I’m not by any means saying that the experts or science is wrong but I think there’s room for us both to wiggle around in that pretty ridged envelope regarding information that some say is only either black or white.

Anyone who has been to CrocTalk has actually witnessed this behavior regularly. Also our guests have watched Lucy McGator (10ft and about 400 lbs.ish) coming out of the water on command and will take food gently out of my hand. I’ve been working with Lucy for about 3 years doing this “manipulation of behavior.

It started by my understanding that if I was to be successful at all I would have to be very patient yet while still being consistent with commands and hand gestures. Never dropping my guard knowing that her behavior could turn to the worst very quickly. She’s also a female so she could change her mind at any moment!

Lucy McGator

Gaining Alli’s trust was needed to be first and foremost. Trust is not easy to gain from an animal that’s lived on this planet for millions of years! None the less I began my “odds against journey” with this American Alligator when she was about 24 inches in length ten years ago. Cautiously of course I started with her enclosure. I felt to gain her trust (and I use that word loosely, if that is indeed possible) I would certainly need to provide her a safe habitat. This would include a correct water temperature of a constant ( yet fluctuating ) between 80 and 86 degrees. This is comfort level common to the species in their natural environment. All of our environments have in floor heating with thermostats that regulate water temperatures 24/7 365 year. Not just when they need it but all year everyday. Radiant heat on the ceiling regulates air temperatures throughout the year also. That’s a good start.

Remember this all takes many months of work even before that hands on activity starts…safety first, right? Then there’s their diet and that’s for another article!

My next blog will be how I did it and the challenges I have faced in doing so. I would still appreciate any comments you may have on my research and activities as well…

Doug

www.croctalk.com

Small Step for Man, Giant Step for Geochelone Sulcata!

Mom and Dad, Sherman (the Shermanator) and mate Mother Nature. Parents to Chopper One and Chopper Two!

Starting to get cooler in the evenings consistently now so time to bring in the turtles that have been outside all summer. Also the tortoises are inside more frequently now too especially at night. It’s nice when animals can be out in the summer’s heat but all good things come to an end. More work when cleaning inside but the animals are happy…their warm! Baby torts are growing quickly!

Sulcata tortoises are the native to the northern parts of Africa, including the Sahara, Niger, Ethiopia and the hot Massaua coast. Captive bred and imported Sulcatas can be found increasingly in the pet trade. The Sulcata is the largest of the mainland tortoise. Varying in size from 50-200lbs and may live as long as 100 years.

Our tortoises have all been placed with us or rescued (I don’t like that word) but none the less they are happy and growing. Sherman, Mother nature, Buddy, Chopper One and Chopper Two! It’s comical to watch them interacting not only with each other but with our guests as well. They seem to be attracted to bright colors like green, yellow, reds, orange. Ladies, watch out! It’s happened all too often here when some ladies,( not too many guys though!) with painted toenails get chased around the tortoise enclosure. Never a dull moment around here. Kids are also reminded that when feeding the torts what goes in one end comes out the other end. It’s an experience one doesn’t soon forget! Great moments and photographic memories to take home of just one of our amazing species!

I would love to hear your experiences with tortoises or pets in general. Better yet come on down to Croctalk Zoo for a hands-on good ole’ time feeding and enjoying all of our animals.

www.croctalk.com