On exhibiting reptiles

Abstract

Herpetology may not be the biological discipline of highest esteem in the public view but, among zoo animals, reptiles clearly rank near the top in their attractiveness. The snake that lost its limbs after misleading Eve, the asp that permitted Cleopatra to terminate her spectacular career, the house snake of Greek mythology, and Sherlock Holmes’ speckled band all manifest the intrinsic fascination and aura of danger accompanying modern snakes. The fascination of other reptiles is Werent but as profound as that of snakes. The iguana, slunk and crocodile share affinities with the dragon, and the shell of the tortoise reminds students of Hindu and other eastern mythology that a large turtle supports the foundations of the earth. Perhaps the scaly skin and ‘cold blood‘ induce curiosity, whereas the fear of venom, the odd shape and the curious behaviour increase the interest. The intrinsic attractiveness of reptiles as exhibit animals is clear. Most zoos capitdise upon this, and the present volume contains a collection of reports deahg with some by-products of such exhibit programmes. It seems useful, as part of its introduction, to consider some, more general aspects regardmg the philosophy and requirements of reptilian ehbition, about the place of zoos in the conservation scheme, about reptilian adaptations, and about the place of research or organised discovery in an exhibit park. Although opposing views are alluded to, what follows is primarily a personal statement, based upon some decades of interaction with the various amateur and professional publics faced by a herpetologist, and presumably tinted quite strongly by the biases of a long-time afkionado of reptiles.