So I took the family to the local zoo this weekend and my brain began spinning with questions of different sorts. First the mental image I get when I think zoo is like the godfather of animal care. Are there requirements and inspections on the residents and their habitats? I'm sure there must be however during my short stay I could not find anyone other than the ticket booth attendant to ask my few questions too. There was not a staff personel in sight minus the concession stands. I am referring to a city zoo which will remain nameless as to not spread bad media.

I am more concerned because there was a total of 3 herps there. One of which was...oh yes my friend the green iguana. He did not look in the best of health nor did his enclosure seem to be properly set up. Mainly the lighting situation confused me as he was being kept indoors on a sunny warm day in cali with but one window for the public to view him and all lights at least 4ft from his basking area. I watched the iguana for approx. 20 min. and did not notice one stir either. Now I understand the issues of quarantine and what not, but this zoo does not rehab animals so I wouldn't understand. I do not frequent zoos often which is why I am posting.

Am I being too critical or is it possible that the zoo might not be looking out for the best interest of their adult iggy?

Hi,

I know a lot of zoos use bulbs that reach to floor level. They very well could have had that kind in their enclosure, who knows. I know reptile uv has them also that they sell to the zoos only or to people with VERY large enclosures. I was going to use some in my enclosures that I had in the shop at my old house before I sold it. They are so you dont have to have 800 pound logs that reach 12 feet to get them within the 12 to 24 inch required area for proper basking and absorption of the uvb. I know the zoo we have here uses the that type of lighting system for all their uvb loving reptiles.

The fact that they only had 3 herps there is kind of scary, I hope that is what they have in place. I also find it interesting because a lot of zoos dont even have green iguanas in them anymore.

I'm glad to hear they have those far reach bulbs. I really hope they are not flourescent tubs though because the flourescent fix's he had were like the kind you would see in an office having covers over the bulbs. There were two different spot lamps witho bulb covering so hopefully that was his uvb. There was actually 4 herps(not a big difference, I know) but 3 snakes and then my iggy we are talking about. I thought they would have more too. It was a small zoo under $10 admission so I am going to try to go back in a week or so to check on him. Maybe I just caught him inside and he will be outside next time. The only wierd thing is the mixing of species they tend to do there. For example if this iggy would to be outside he would be hanging out with some small monkeys and a small toucan and some other rodent looking animal(sorry for the lack of detail) I don't remember the exotic name they had.

Now that I re-read my post it sounds a little silly to be accusing a zoo of malpractice, so please don't think I am doing that. Just concerned for the little guys since the zoos primary focus seems to be primates.

I just had a bad taste left in my mouth on a whole about the "tidyness" of where he was especially for the lack of life that was expressed.

Zoos and other institutions have access to equipment that is not available to the general public.
Unfortuantely there are a number of smaller zoos that still focus more on being a public entertainment than caring for the animals.
If you have a concern, find anyone and tell them you would like to speak to a keeper or a curator.

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!