Opinion: Why Tarantula and Frog Exhibition at Reptile Parties is Dangerous
tarantulas are delicate creatures, even though they don’t look it!
If you are an animal lover like me, you definitely care about the welfare of the pets and creatures you surround yourself with. You do not have to be a PETA level animal rights activist to simply want to protect and encourage the proper care of animals. After over 5 years of providing reptile encounters to Southern California, I have several observed and learned reasons why frogs and tarantulas are best excluded from these exhibition.
While there are exceptions that I make on a case-by-case basis, I feel that it is my duty as an animal trainer, caretaker, and public educator to speak out for these species that are often exploited in my industry. Here are several reasons why I personally reconsidered exhibiting frogs and tarantulas at reptile shows.
Tarantulas can shatter
Sounds a little crazy, I know. Tarantulas are insects and they are not built like the reptiles you meet at my reptile shows. They have exoskeletons that are extremely fragile. As sweet and good-hearted as a child can be, kids often make fast movements and can be unpredictable in how they react to new experiences. Because tarantulas are aware of how fragile they are, they can jump at slight movements and become scared quite easily. In fact, when I visited a tarantula breeder to bring home my tarantula, Sneakers, they would only allow me to hold their tarantulas 3 inches off the ground and with a soft fabric directly underneath my hands. Though I am a trained and seasoned animal handler, I still handle my tarantula with extreme care and only on occasion.
When a tarantula falls even short distances, which can happen quite easily, they usually fracture their exoskeletons resulting them to slowly bleed internally. This is painful and becomes a slow death to these misunderstood creatures.
If asked, I have provided an opportunity for children to experience Sneakers the Tarantula at reptile shows after asking a series of questions, considering my travel schedule for the day, and agreeing to the limitations of interacting with this type of animals. Most of the time I explain these facts and my fantastic clients lovingly skip having a tarantula their reptile party.
Frog Skin is Delicate
A group of tree frogs relaxing together
Frogs are one of my favorite creatures and definitely one of the cutest amphibians out there! Whether it is a tree frog with sticky feet or a stumpy plump Pacman frog, frogs are one of the most delicate creatures on this earth.
Frogs are known as indicator species by biologists. Indicator species are specific animals in ecosystems that are so fragile that they are used as a gauge to understanding the health of the local ecology. Indicator species are usually the first animals to die when environmental issues arise. Their dramatic die off signals to biologists and ecologists to study and intervene to help resolve the problem in the environment before it impacts other, more hardy species. This shows you just how delicate these animals actually are.
One of the most important features that makes frogs so delicate and that makes them great indicator species is their porous skin. Frogs use their skin to “drink” water and they absorb parts of what they touch through their skin as well.
You know kids. They walk around with finger paint, dirt, cupcake frosting, and whatever else they can get their hands dirty in on their hands. Washed hands is simply not enough to protect these delicate creatures from the dangers of being touched.
If you watch YouTube videos you may notice professionals either sparingly touch their frogs or if they need to handle more often (because they are breeders) they handle frogs with frog-safe disposable gloves. Hands that are dirty in frog’s eyes, which can be clean to our standards, can easily cause them to fall ill and quickly lead to death.
Fluxuating Temperatures are dangerous
This is a big one! When I am out on the road travel to show after show, I am easily pulling a 14 hour day. Within that time I could be in a scorching summer afternoon or a rainy cool winter morning. These type of extreme temperatures and fluctuations do not work well with both tarantulas and frogs.
Both these species of animals require general room temperature. They do best in the mid-70 degrees. Any environment 10 degrees north or south of that will be harmful and can easily cause their body to shut down. When on the road for most of the day it is difficult (not if impossible) to manage the temperatures to ensure these delicate creatures have the correct environment. This does not include the unknown weather conditions at the reptile show itself. Whether its the temperature itself or the stress of being in unnatural temperatures, both tarantulas and frogs can die quite easily.
I am such an animal lover and I know you are too! I do not see any animal no matter how small it is as a possession or disposable. I get so much joy from sharing my animals at my SnakesonSam Reptile Encounters and one of the most important aspects of my job is to share the information I have accumulated through my college studies as well as through my experience with these incredible creatures. This information is important to consider when having a reptile show at your party or event to make sure you choose a reptile encounter that fits with your views. If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me. CLICK HERE to contact me.