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Summary of Transcript:
Nick Gordon, an area manager at the Toledo Zoo Museum, talks about the three species of Arizona rattlesnakes they house – the western diamondback rattlesnake, blacktail rattlesnake, and Arizona black rattlesnake. They discuss the habitats they mimic and how they feed the snakes to reduce competition and risk. The rattlesnakes get about two meals a month but are ectothermic, so they get all their energy from their environment’s thermoregulation. Their rattling sound is used as a defense mechanism, warning predators not to step on them. The Zoo has a breeding program for Arizona black and blacktail rattlesnakes to ensure a sustainable population and send the surplus to other zoos. The video encourages people to visit the evil snake room in the museum to learn more.
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Summary of Description:
A video on YouTube shows an area manager of the ProMedica Museum of Natural History feeding Arizona rattlesnakes. The video is part of a series of animal content on YouTube. The footage includes hashtags such as #shorts, #toledoohio, #toledozoo, #rattlesnakes, #snake, #zookeeper, and #snakefeeding.
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Title: The Ins and Outs of Feeding Arizona Rattlesnakes
The ProMedica Museum of Natural History in Toledo, Ohio, is one of the many places where people can visit to explore and learn about different species of animals. One particular exhibit that draws attention is the Arizona rattlesnakes. In this article, we’ll look at how one of the area managers, Nick, feeds and handles these venomous snakes.
Meet Nick, the Rattlesnake Whisperer
As one of the area managers in the animal care department of the ProMedica Museum of Natural History, Nick has developed a special relationship with the Arizona rattlesnakes. He knows how to read their behavior and understands their dietary needs.
Before feeding the rattlesnakes, Nick puts on thick gloves to protect himself from being bitten. He explains that they can strike up to two-thirds of their body length, and their venom is potent enough to cause serious health problems, so handling rattlesnakes requires expertise and training.
Feeding the Hungry Rattlesnakes
Nick prepares a frozen-thawed mouse to feed the rattlesnakes and defrosts it in a container of warm water. He then picks up the mouse with his tongs and approaches the snake’s enclosure. Nick opens the gate and places the mouse on a small plate inside the chamber. The rattlesnake quickly appears, flicking its tongue out to smell and locate the mouse. In a swift move, it strikes and devours its prey.
Nick stays nearby during the feeding process to ensure the snake is not choking on the mouse, checking to ensure it is swallowed correctly. He shares that rattlesnakes can eat up to 20% of their body weight in one feeding, up to eight mice for the more giant snakes.
Keeping the Rattlesnakes Healthy
Nick monitors the rattlesnakes’ overall health and well-being. He ensures the optimal temperature and humidity levels inside the enclosure and checks for signs of illness or injury. Rattlesnakes can experience respiratory diseases, skin infections, and parasites, so regular medical checkups and a clean and healthy environment are crucial in their care.
Nick also interacts with the rattlesnakes daily to keep them comfortable and reduce their stress levels. He explains that building trust with the animals is essential for successful animal care.
Final Thoughts
Feeding and handling venomous snakes, such as the Arizona rattlesnakes, are not tasks for the faint-hearted. It requires years of hands-on experience and knowledge to ensure the animal and handler’s safety and well-being. The ProMedica Museum of Natural History’s animal care department is committed to providing the best care for the rattlesnakes and other animals in their exhibits. Through their expertise and dedication, people can learn more about the wonders of nature and appreciate the importance of animal conservation.
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Source Description
One of the ProMedica Museum of Natural History area managers, Nick, shows us how he pulls and feeds the Arizona rattlesnakes! ?
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#shorts #toledoohio #toledozoo #rattlesnakes #snake #zookeeper #snakefeeding
