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In addition to the dedicated individuals who actually care for the reptiles, we would like to extend our thanks
to the Veterinarians, Humane Societies and others who have helped us save the lives of so many reptiles; especially Dr Zenker of Burloak Animal Clinic in Ontartio, Dr. Kromp of Fruitport Animal Hospital in Fruitport, MI, Dr. Cheri Caparelli of Rock Acres Animal Clinic in Manlius,
NY and Dr. Jordan and Dr. Lin of Liverpool Village Animal Hospital - our current reptile veterinarians
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Our Staff
Our Central New York volunteer staff includes owners, operators and chief bottle-washers Diana Sleiertin and
her son Zachary Declan; along with Tina and Tom Brooking, Kelly DiCarlo, Marie Bolick and family, Caitlin Leone and and
so many more, it's hard to name everyone. To know more about the Volunteer Team, please check out our
Junior Volunteer Team page. We look forward to working with these fine people for a long time to come.
Diana is our founder, and primary caretaker the majority of our current mascots.
Currently, circumstances
beyond the control of our rescue require the ambassador animals to remain in the owernship of several wonderful volunteers.
This benefits the reptiles in many ways, allowing them to socialize and acclimate to different enviroments and handlers.
She has been a reptile hobbyist for more than 12 years, beginning with her ownership of her beloved Green Iguana,
Maximillian Thorpe. Since then, she has dedicated much of her time to learning about the many reptiles, and sharing this knowledge
with the public. She is the primary presenter, coordinator and herptile handler.
She is also sharing
this knowledge and experience with her young son, Declan (Zachary Declan), who is enjoying himself thoroughly, and a budding
team leader for the Junior Volunteers.
| Zachary and Jackson |
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| Click for Veiled Chameleon Info |
Zachary, loves his reptile pets and is especially proud of his time spent with his beloved bearded dragon, Lou.
(RIP 2011 - liver cancer - read more about cancer in reptiles) As a young reptile enthusiast, Zachary is learning (under supervision
of course) how to help care for his critters, including misting his tanks, feeding crickets to the geckos and how
to properly handle lizards and snakes. Zachary's first reptile was a rescued Veiled Chameleon,
Jackson. Zachary's gentle touch helped nurse Jackson through a few illnesses. Zachary learned quite a lot of information
about his pets so that he, too, can share this information with his classmates and others.
He has
become an excellent reptile handler and educator. He shows his compassion and concern for all the animals he works
with. We are very proud of his continuing progess.
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Our Story:
The Rescue came into being about 10 years ago, after we recognized a need for such a rescue. The founder, Diana,
owned a large Green Iguana, named Maximillian Thorpe or MaxMan for short, who was a lively, friendly and most importantly,
healthy lizard! Max and Diana were often invited to local schools to talk about Max and his history. Eventually,
friends at the local SPCA were asking if this lizard or that snake could be fostered by Diana, until a home could be found.
What started as one became two then three, then more than one could count.... and thus the Rescue evolved.
Since that time, Diana, and an ever expanding crew of volunteers, have been sharing their interests and knowledge
of reptiles with children and adults. They have spent many hours researching the various animals that come into the rescue,
contacting local experienced "exotics" veterinarians and specialists in the herpetology field, including curators from the
many larger zoos. This type of networking has been extremely helpful to the staff and immensely beneficial to the welfare
of the animals.
As the Rescue has evolved, we have expanded our educational outreach programs, concentrating on more education and
information, as well as consulting and connecting reptile owners with the proper "herper" network.
We hope with the continued education, by ourselves and others, that one day, we will be out of a job as rescuers, and
that people will take pet ownership responsibly and care for the reptiles properly.
The Rescue has grown to include a variety of ambassador animals, and often times even includes guest animals - even mammals
- that join us in our outreach programs.
The Volunteer team has taken on a life of its own, expanding to invite youngsters in to learn and teach as the future
caretakers of our many reptile species.
Our Programs
Educational:
We offer educational programs to civic groups, educational facilities and just about anyone else who is interested in learning about reptiles, their proper
captive care, their status in the environment and much more. Since the Rescue is privately funded, there is a base fee for
all visits. For charitable civic groups, flexible fee arrangements can be made. Educational presentations
are flexible and can be designed to fit school curricula, and is age appropriate. These presentations include approximately
6-10 animals and offer an opportunity for the students to interact with some of the larger, docile reptiles.
Entertainment:
To additionally provide financial support for the animals of the Rescue, we also offer the unique
opportunity of having reptiles visit for a Birthday Party. The birthday child gets to meet with all of the reptiles. The group goes on a "psuedo safari", as we introduce
reptiles from all over the world. There will lots of photo opportunites for the birthday child so make sure
the camera is fully charged and there is plenty of film or digital card space! The party will provde age appropriate
information to the children and an opportuntiy for them all to interact with the reptiles. Parents are encouraged to stay. All funds go directly into the care of the reptiles - providing feed, maintenance, veterinary care and
husbandry.
Addtionally, MaxMan reptiles are available for many other entertainment opportunties. Do not stop with
just birthday parties ~ family events, corporate family functions, or just about any venue where you would like to have a
chance to meet really cool reptiles up close and personal.
| Click for info on Reptiles in Education |
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| Diana sharing a juvenile water monitor,Kenge, with 4th graders (2004) |
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