We passed by the Reptile Ranch on the way to the grocery store today, and saw that the "re-opening soon" sign was gone. Then we noticed that it was indeed open again. I'll have to drop in there later. The Reptile Ranch caught on fire some time back, with tragic results for most of the animals inside. This was actually the second time it had caught fire, but the first time wasn't as bad.
I bought my Emperor scorpions there a few days before the most recent fire, probably saving their lives in the process. I can't imagine what it must have been like for the owners and employees to try and nurse the injured animals back to health. Many of them didn't make it.

Of course, there are those who say that reptiles and other exotic animals shouldn't be kept as pets. I can see their point, but at the same time I think that people need to spend time around animals of this type. Many of these animals come from areas that are fast succumbing to the constant expansion of the human race. These animals are representatives from the wild (even though most are captive bred). They cannot speak our language, but if we get to know them on some level, we can speak for them. We can spread awareness about them and their disappearing homes. We can lay the myths to rest.

It pains me to think that some day soon, when their habitats are condos and parking lots, many of these animals will only be found in pet stores, zoos, or other institutions.

cds I listened to while wondering what used to live where the road is now: V/A "...E Tu Vivrai nel Terrore", and V/A "Terra Serpentes"