i wish there was more talking going around about how keeping parrots as pets is a bad idea. when i got mine i did all the research, but no site i visited ever mentioned not to keep parrots, just how to take care of them, which is obiviously a good thing, but still i think people should be informed that, for the standard pet owner, keeping these birds is unethical. they are so easy to acquire too, and they are some of the most abused pets out there, it’s genuinely sad. parrots are highly intelligent, wild animals, that should only be kept by experts and zoos, to allow them to have happy lives in captivity. there are so many domesticated birds species already, with just as much personality as any parrot, but easier to look after and ethical to keep 100%. i just feel sorry for parrots man :(

An Excellent Summation on Ball Pythons Myths and the call for Enrichment by Francis Cosquieri

Below is a very long, but detailed explanation of the myths of keeping ball pythons in small tubs and how enrichment directly benefits snakes and other reptiles.

[This guy wrote it in this facebook group on this post]

Mobile users, please click the tumblr source for the entire post.

Royal Pythons are not actually all THAT sedate - the idea of the "sedentary" Royal Python that spends its life in dark holes has been bandied about for a few decades because the snakes aestivate in burrows during the hottest parts of the year, and this is when they are easiest for the trappers to locate. This does not mean they spend their whole lives underground, nor does it mean they are "ambush predators" that sit and wait most of their lives - on the contrary they are surprisingly active "search hunters" that happen to do most of their hunting at night and, in the case of adult females, hunt in burrows for rodents. Males and smaller animals exhibit a completely different mode of hunting - they climb trees and target a completely different source of food. We know this from a variety of sources: "Survey of the status and management of the Royal Python (Python regius) in Ghana" lists pythons being found in trees, although points out that the species is very adaptable to the point of being semi-invasive and responds well to anthropogenic disturbance. It also mentions a specimen being found up a tree. "Food resource partitioning of a community of snakes in a swamp rainforest of south-eastern Nigeria" lists woodpeckers and warblers (both consummately arboreal species that do not spend much if any time on the ground) as among the most numerous prey retrieved from Royal Python stomach (Cisticola warblers were the single prey genus that had the highest number found in Royal Pythons during the survey). "Why do males and females of Python regius differ in parasite load" points out that males (which are more arboreal) carry different and much higher parasite loads than females, possibly as a result of the differences in habitat use. "Jebels By Moonlight" lists a first hand observation of a Royal Python hunting in a tree in Sudan. "Sexual size dimorphism and natural history traits are correlated with intersexual dietary divergence in royal pythons (python regius) from the rainforests of southeastern Nigeria" - half of the male pythons encountered over a two year period were found on trees. The diet of male pythons under a certain size had a huge percentage of birds and arboreal mammals. "Species trade and conservation: Snake trade and conservation management (Serpentes.spp.) An assessment of the impact of the pet trade on five CITES-Appendix II case studies" lists the species as being both terrestrial and tree-dwelling animals. The fact is Royal Pythons are extraordinarily adaptive snakes that can tolerate a wide variety of habitats and are not negatively affected by anthropogenic change to the same extent as many other reptiles are. They can be terrestrial AND semi-arboreal depending on the habitats they inhabit, although according to studies by authors such as Luca Luiselli they reach their highest population densities in forested areas as opposed to grassland. It is worth noting that males especially seem to have adapted to fit a different niche to the larger females to the point that diet composition is almost totally different in several studies, and includes a significant percentage of birds and arboreal mammals that are most likely being stalked and captured in trees at night. They are also picking up a completely different parasite load because of this! Within the confines of a terrarium, there is no reason whatsoever to not provide at least one or two branches for the snake to climb on. Nor is there no reason not to provide overhead lighting or UV. It is simply common sense. To quote Frances Baines from another post on the subject in this group , "Why, for example, do we have to find a 1961 book on African Reptiles (by G. S. Cansdale) to find that the Royal Python "in the wild is often encountered sunning in bright light" (quoted by Sillman, A.J., Carver, J.K. and Loew, E.R., 1999. The photoreceptors and visual pigments in the retina of a boid snake, the ball python (Python regius). Journal of Experimental Biology, 202(14), pp.1931-1938. Indeed that was my experience also with at least one specimen I found in the wild! (Another good point there - Royal Pythons see UV very well. That is not really something you would expect a nocturnal animal to do). Personally I think if people like the security and humidity of a tub for their Royals - put one with an access hole inside the vivarium and let the animal decide where it wants to be. That pretty much approximates a burrow with a constant temperature and humidity in a much drier environment. If the snakes like security and confined spaces soooooooo much, they surely would never come out, right? Having tried this myself, and having seen first hand other people's enclosures offering a choice of places to climb, correct lighting, and an enriched habitat - along with seeing how the snakes themselves respond to it - I simply cannot see how anybody thinks a sterile tub with newspaper compares,

There are actually no specific papers regarding enrichment studies in Royal Pythons that I am aware of, however there ARE very convincing ones for a wide range of other snakes including Jamaican Boas and Burmese Pythons that are fairly categoric on the effect enrichment has on these animals. As a result, there is actually quite a lot of evidence that it DOES matter if a snake uses everything in its enclosure and is given an enriched environment as opposed to a sterile one.... there is simply NO way to refute the accumulated body of evidence on that score whatsoever. Whatsmore, the notion that "there is no way of telling whether the snake is happier/ acting differently" or that "the snake won't act naturally" is quite mistaken - reptiles provide a unique opportunity to investigate the influence of experience and the environment on behaviour. Their very morphology and dependence on real variables such as temperature link them to both physical forces and the spatial configuration of their environment and thus, they may be particularly responsive to environmental manipulations via enrichment. Most importantly, they are precocial and typically do not live in social groups thus eliminating this confounding variable in enrichment studies. What this means is that it is actually very easy to study behavioural changes and preferences in these animals and there have been quite a few studies presented that attempt to do just that by behaviourally testing snakes housed in enriched and standard conditions. I can list some very good papers here that are well worth checking out for those that are not sure whether there really is a difference for reptiles kept in enriched enclosures, many of them available for free on this page: Environmental Enrichment Alters the Behavioral Profile of Ratsnakes (Elaphe) Lynn M. Almli and Gordon M. Burghardt Habitat Manipulation in Hunting Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Species) Pitman B and Clarke R. Some Observations on Snakes Riot Takatsuki, Psychological Institute, Keijo Imperial University. The importance of enrichment for advancing amphibian welfare and conservation goals: A review of a neglected topic Christopher J. Michaels , J. Roger Downie, and Roisin Campbell-Palmer Using student-centred research to evidence- base exhibition of reptiles and amphibians: three species-specific case studies Rose, Nash, Ferguson et al. Experiments of Odor Enrichments Affect Behavior of Species of Snakes Mao Jie Zuo Zhili Yang Xiaoyi Cheng Jian Xie Yi (Chengdu Zoo & Chengdu Wildlife Research Institute,Chengdu,610081,China) Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 391 - 398 A Critical Review of Zoo-based Olfactory Enrichment Does Enrichment Improve Reptile Welfare? Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius) respond to Five Kinds of Environmental Enrichment Bashaw, Gibson et al. The physiological and behavioural impacts of and preference for an enriched environment in the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) Beth C. Casea,*, Gregory A. Lewbarta, Phillip D. Doerrb An Assessment of Environmental Enrichment on Morphology and Behavior of Yearling Rat Snakes (Elaphe obsoleta). ***8220; Almli, Lynn M., 2004. Master***8217;s Thesis, University of Tennessee Corticosterone suppresses immune activity in territorial Galápagos marine iguanas during reproduction. Berger, S. et al., 2005. Hormones and Behavior, Environmental enrichment and cognitive complexity in reptiles and amphibians: Concepts, review, and implications for captive populations. Burghardt, G. M., 2013. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Problem of reptile play: Environmental enrichment and play behavior in a captive Nile soft-shelled turtle, Trionyx triunguis. Burghardt, G. M., Ward, B. & Rosscoe, R., 1996. , Zoo Biology Personality Traits Are Expressed in Bullfrog Tadpoles during Open-Field Trials. Carlson, B. E. & Langkilde, T., 2013. Journal of Herpetology Visual discrimination and reversal learning in rough-necked monitor lizards (Varanus rudicollis).. Gaalema, D. E., 2011. Journal of Comparative Psychology Using Operant Conditioning and Desensitization to Facilitate Veterinary Care with Captive Reptiles. Hellmuth, H., Augustine, L., Watkins, B. & Hope, K., 2012. Exotic Animal Practice Spatial learning of an escape task by young corn snakes, Elaphe guttata guttata, Holtzman, Harris et al, 1999. Animal Behaviour Vol. 57, Issue 1 From slither to hither: Orientation and spatial learning in snakes. Holtzman, D. A., 1999. Integrative Biology Investigatory behavior in snakes, II: Cage cleaning and the induction of defecation in snakes Chiszar, Wellborn et al, 1980. Animal Learning and Behaviour, Vol 8. Issue 3 Spatial learning of an escape task by young corn snakes,Elaphe guttata guttata. Holtzman, D. A., Harris, T. W., Aranguren, G. & Bostock, E., 1999. Animal Behaviour Environmental Enrichment for Dendrobatid Frogs. Hurme, K. et al., 2003. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science Operant conditioning in the indigo snake. Kleinginna Jr., P. R., 1970. Psychonomic Science Zoo-Academic Collaborations: Physiological and Psychological Needs of Reptiles and Amphibians. Kreger, M. D., 1993. Herptologica Behavioural flexibility and problem-solving in a tropical lizard. Leal, M. & Powell, B. J., 2011.Biology Letters Experimental evaluation of environmental enrichment of sea turtles. Therrien, C. L., Gaster, L., Cunningham-Smith, P. & Manire, C. A., Zoo Biology 2007 An experimental test of the link between foraging, habitat selection and thermoregulation in black rat snakes Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta G Blouin-Demers, Journal of Animal Ecology 2001 Assessing environmental enrichment for juvenile Jamaican boas Epicrates subflavus Stejneger, 1901 Dodo, Journal of the Jersey Wildlife and Preservation Trust 1996 Investigatory behavior inthe plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix) and several additional species Chiszar, Carter et al, 1976. Animal Learning and Behaviour, Vol 4, Issue 3 Each of these studies (and there are many more, this is really just a sampling) presents a different example of how experimental procedure can be used to infer preference and the effects of enrichment among reptiles and amphibians. In short, there may be no paper specifically on the effects of enrichment on Royal Pythons (YET) but to expect that because of this the evidence for it is inconsequential would be a gross misunderstanding and misapplication of the evidence provided above (some of which concerns other pythons and boas). One more point to make to wrap up this post - many will state that "breeding" in tubs is evidence that they are adequate. In fact there is recent evidence presented that long-term stressful environments can encourage breeding in snakes (biologically this is a sound strategy - in an inhospitable environment, producing as many offspring as possible so that there is a greater chance at least some will survive is a common reproductive strategy!). So the idea that people having successes breeding this hardiest of pet snakes, which is known to be so adaptive as to be semi-invasive in parts of the world, is not really that strong evidence at all.

Empathy and Laki the Sugar Glider

We are the wildlife generation. Or at least we were.

From National Geographic heroes, like Steven Irwin, to amazing programs on the television, like Blue Planet 2, we grew up surrounded by the beauty of the wild. Whether it was an octopus darting through coral, a hippopotamus submerging underneath water, or a Nile crocodile snapping down on unsuspecting prey — there was absolutely nothing more fascinating on the television.

However, at some point along the way, we stopped watching the shows we once loved. We stopped being as fanatical in our love for nature. We focused instead on our formal education, sports, college acceptance letters, and jobs. As our generation grew up, discussions shifted away from who wanted to be a reporter for National Geographic to who wanted to work as a software engineer at Facebook.

The fact that people have different interests is a good thing. This is how our a market-based economy must function. We must acknowledge that, in our society, people are lucky enough to have the liberty to express self-determination. However, the necessity to be connected to nature and the environment is not conditional. That is, our ecosystem must shift away from being a fringe issue. All life and all things on this planet are merely derivatives of the natural world. Therefore, we must protect universal common goods by realigning our consumption in a consumer-based economy with the natural limitations of our ecosystem. Clearly, everyone is a shareholder in the success and liable for the failures when we think in the context of environmental stewardship.

The Erosion of Empathy

In a consumer-based society, it is easy to become fascinated by material goods and advancements in technology. This type of thinking is not prohibitively bad for the environment, but actually sustainable if business is conducted in an environmentally conscientious manner. Incentives must align with ecological measures of protection. Too often, this does not happen. Unchecked greed has a tendency to circumvent legislative controls and capital incentives to allow for the destruction of our habitable planet. For example, the common talking point by environmentalists is any failure of fracking.

For the very same reasons that make this world so amazing, these are the very same reasons that make this world so terrible. Perhaps the failures we witness are sparked from those of who do not practice empathy. There is a fantastic TED talk titled the “Erosion of Empathy” and the topic was presented by Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen who serves as a Professor of Developmental Psychopathology at the University of Cambridge. As a cognitive neuroscientist, he breaks down empathy into two categories: cognitive and affective. Cognitive is the recognition of another person’s emotions and the ability to place oneself in another person’s shoes. Affective empathy, Baron-Cohen argues, is the ability to be affected by the recognized emotional experience another human being is experiencing. Or, in other words, it is the necessary factor in explaining human cruelty towards anything.

“Empathy is our most valuable natural resource for conflict resolution.” —Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen

In the video, Baron-Cohen acknowledges that there are three social factors that primarily affect empathy. The factors are the influence of authority, political or religious ideology, and tribalism. Tribalism, in particular, relates to both in-group and out-group relations that perpetuate propaganda for the explicit purpose of dehumanizing the opposition. Later in his talk, Baron-Cohen notes that those who are autistic and those who are psychopathic are mirror opposites. Essentially, those with autism tend to have affective, but not cognitive empathy and the converse is true for psychopaths. This understanding has a caveat, that is, people have varying shades of either or both types of empathy. To support his claims, Baron-Cohen referenced James Blair’s experiment at the Broadmoor hospital, discussed the MOA-A gene, and the impact of fetal testosterone.

How Do We Get It Back?

Naturally, if we assume Baron-Cohen is correct, the best way we can become more skilled practitioners at affective empathy is through targeting the three social factors he mentioned. As people, we have no control over the varying degree of the MOA-A gene we were predisposed to or the fetal testosterone we experienced during embryonic development. Despite the multiple ways to successfully break down social barriers, our team at Counter Current would like to feature a friend who owns a sugar glider. This example of atypical pet ownership is meant to be informative and not persuasive — this is not an analysis on the ethics behind the global wildlife trade rather insight on the marsupial.

Angela Karamanos is the proud mama of a semi-famous, female, sugar glider named Skatoulaki or, Laki, for short. For those who are not versed in Greek, we suggest you ‘Google it’. Angela, better known as Ang, is a 2018 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and played Division 1 Women’s soccer. Following graduation, she became a combat systems officer in the military and considers herself “wild, adventurous, and energetic.”

Q: “What do most people think when you tell/show them Laki?” —Ryan

A: “They say “only you would have a flying squirrel” and then proceed to ask me if she flies. After a minute or 2 they think she’s so cool because she’ll just hang out and jump between people like a little ninja. Then she’ll curl up and they all think she’s so cute.” —Angela

While living in Florida, she decided to purchase a sugar glider because they seemed like a lot of fun. According to her, “[they’re] tiny so you can take them anywhere without people knowing and they’re easy to take care of.” For her, compared to a dog or a cat, Laki is a way better fit. During the bonding process, she noticed how skittish sugar gliders can be, so it was awesome when she would “walk up to her cage and [Laki] would realize it’s me” as she “crawls right up my arm into my pocket.” From the description, it’s hard to imagine anything so cute.

However, sugar gliders are nocturnal creatures. In particular, it can be challenging to hear Laki barking at 4:30 AM because she wants to play, but it’s totally worth it because Laki is super loyal. Despite the patience required at the beginning, once Laki became familiar with Angela the nibbling or "crabbing” stopped. She recalled in the interview that there was this “one time I fell asleep with [Laki] in my pocket and when I woke up she wasn’t in my pocket anymore. I had no idea where she went and then I found her in my closet going crazy climbing up and through all my clothes!” Marsupials will climb on anything — or at the very least, try. Angela also mentioned another time she was lying down and Laki pounced right into her face with absolutely no regret. Without a doubt “it was pretty funny.”

An average day with Laki is built around routines. Angela loves to hang out with Laki and tries to as much as possible. In the morning, Laki is let out of her cage and fits snugly into Angela’s pocket. Later in the day, when Angela revisits the cage, she places Laki in to get some uninterrupted sleep. Around 8 or 9 PM, Angela will cut Laki some fresh fruits and veggies, so Laki can eat when she wakes up around 10 PM. From 10 to 11 or 12 PM, there is a strictly enforced playtime before Angela goes to bed. However, every day is different because Laki can be carried anywhere with Angela! Oh, and let’s not forget, that owning a pet has been show, scientifically, to make a person more empathetic.

Parting Thoughts

A huge thanks to Angela Karamanos for the interview! She was such a help and we wish her and Laki all the best. Stay tuned for an article about Laki, Zoboomafoo, and other marsupials that have made a splash in the lives of so many.

Disclaimer: This article is not a critique or an endorsement of the global wildlife trade for exotic animals. To our readers, expect a follow up article to discuss the potential benefits and negative implications of the global wildlife trade.