Exotics Keeper – July 2022

ZSL London Zoo share details on how they bred the infamous bushmaster. Dr Levin talks us through the future of limb regeneration and bioelectricity. We explore the roots of various D. tinctorius morphs and discuss how blue-tongue skink locales influence our care and keeping. Plus an exclusive interview with Zen Habitats CEO, Randy Williams, “Keeper Basics: Fish Health and Water Quality”, enrichment ideas, and exotics news.

Exotics Keeper – June 2022

Learn about some of the most fascinating lizards on earth as we talk ‘tree monitors’ with keepers at London Zoo, Crocs of the World and Birmingham Wildlife Park. Dr Jennifer Lamb shares a major discovery in the world of amphibians. We also discuss hand-rearing lovebirds with expert breeder Teresa Masuet. Ever wondered why koi are so expensive? Find out in this issue! Plus, Keeper Basics: Bioactive, news, facts and more.

Exotics Keeper – May 2022

Did you know, there are 10,000+ wild scorpions living in the UK? Find out more this month! We also speak to researchers in Costa Rica on the stunning granulated poison frog, Oophaga granulifera. We ask the question, are Chinese water dragons really such good pets? And we chat to the young people championing modern goldfish care. All this, plus “Keeper Basics: Humidity”, Exotics News, Enrichment Ideas and much more!

Exotics Keeper – April 2022

Michael Zollweg, ESF Holder for Chinese Crocodile Lizards, tells us how hobbyists have helped save the species. Paul Irven explains the challenges facing pangolins and their conservation. The ProRep Plant Team give us a beginners guide to terrarium plants. Corn snakes take centre stage as we combine research and historical knowledge to improve their captive welfare. All this plus Keeper Basics: Bird Cages, Enrichment and more.

Exotics Keeper – March 2022

This month looks at lifesaving animals. From pouched rats detecting landmines and tuberculosis, to Gila monsters and their links to diabetes treatments. We also explore the natural history of one of the most popular pet amphibians; the pacman frog. Guest Writer, Max Pedley, talks us through his thoughts on ethical fishkeeping, and ‘lighting’ is the focus of this month’s ‘Keeper Basics’. All this plus news, facts and much, much more.

Exotics Keeper – Feb 2022

Valentine’s day shines a light on the reptile mating game. We speak to Goldfields Rugosa on breeding monogamous shinglebacks. Parthenogenesis takes centre stage as we speak to keepers of mourning geckos. A whole array of professionals share their thoughts on cohabiting different species and finally, we analyse the role of carotenes in flamingo diets. We also break down heating in ‘Keeper Basics’ plus news, fascinating facts and enrichment ideas.

Exotics Keeper – Jan 2022

In this issue, we speak to various sectors to get their advice in turning a passion for reptiles into a career this year. We also ask several questions; do skunks make good pets?
Will calci-worms ever make our dinner table? And do nocturnal animals need UV? We begin our recurring ‘Keeper Basics’ section, which this month focuses on supplements!
All this plus, exotics news, enrichment ideas and species spotlights.

Exotics Keeper – Dec 2021

This month asks how reptiles and amphibians can survive sub-zero temperatures and why ring-necked parakeets are so abundant in the UK. We also speak to Bill Strand of the Chameleon Academy on how to keep panther chameleons and Marine Biologist and Guest Writer, Hannah Rudd takes us to the Galapagos. Learn how the barred bandicoot was saved from the brink and how algae survive inside salamander tadpoles. All this plus more!

Exotics Keeper – Nov 2021

This month, Turtle Survival Alliance give us an in-depth look at the worlds most trafficked tortoise. We caught up with Devonshire Hognoses to discuss the growing morph hobby. Aimee Jones shares field research on Madagascan giant hognoses. Chester Zoo describes their techniques for training dragon. ARC have successfully rewilded a new population of sand lizards. All this plus news, spotlights, fascinating facts and a Christmas gift guide.

Exotics Keeper – Oct 2021

This issue focuses on species shrouded in folklore. From fire salamanders stranded on mountains to blood-sucking vampire bats, cryptic monitors and the world’s strangest lizard, the thorny devil. Our team have been busy visiting various zoos, conservation projects and breeding facilities to maximise our video content. Also, keep an eye out for an exclusive interview about the first Tuatara’s bred outside of New Zealand, and much more.

Exotics Keeper – Sep 2021

This issue we explore the meaning of ‘exotic’ and whether that has an impact on our perspective of conservation. We also break down some of the best herping holidays across the world, particularly for budget backpackers. Blue Iguana Conservation also give us insight into their success in breeding some of the last remaining Cyclura lewisi. Finally, we uncover some of the lesser-known aspects of leopard gecko history, helping us explain why they are such popular pets.

Exotics Keeper – August 2021

This month, Jim Foster of ARC Trust and Gabriel Cohen explain the impact of invasive species at home and across the world. Eleanor Chubb, European lead at the TSA tells us how we should be caring for tortoises. Max Pedley shares his thoughts on the best ‘pet’ fish from puffers to Oscars. We catch up with some of the smaller zoos who faced challenges throughout the pandemic, and we address the biggest misconceptions in reptile husbandry in our ‘top 10’ feature.

Exotics Keeper – July 2021

This month, Emmy winning filmmaker and zoologist, Rob Pilley shows us how to keep reptiles outdoors. Marine biologist, Hannah Rudd talks sea turtle conservation. We break down the carpet python species from across Australia and Zoo Med give us an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ look at what goes into their products. Matthew Rendle RVN takes on the expert opinion on providing ‘choice’ for beardies. All this plus exotics news, species spotlights and fascinating facts.

Exotics Keeper – June 2021

This month , we look at wild cockatoos and how our understanding of these parrots could be slightly sugar-coated. We also look at crested geckos and how our new approach to husbandry helps mimic wild conditions. Manchester Museum share their success in breeding Atelopus varius with the help of Panamanian authorities. Finally, we aim to explain some the recent breakthroughs in understanding Axolotl regeneration. All this plus news, expert opinion and more.

Exotics Keeper – May 2021

After being lost for decades, we investigate the reptiles in the ‘Lazarus’ taxon and their mysterious disappearances. Lampropeltis species are often overshadowed by corn snakes prompting breeders and hobbyists give us their thoughts on the genus. Hannah Rudd, Marine Biologist explains the perils that sharks are facing. Monkey World talks us through new legislations to protect primates. All this plus news, species spotlights, expert opinion and more.

Exotics Keeper – April 2021

Exotics Keeper – March 2021

Ben Tapley, Curator of Herpetology at ZSL speaks to us about a new Chytrid fungus affecting amphibians around the world. We dive into the world of Betta with Max Pedley. Aimee Jones shares her experience with wild leaf tailed geckos in Madagascar and we discuss eight of the most interesting Arachnids in the trade. All of this, plus the usual exotics news, species spotlights, fascinating facts and expert opinions.

Exotics Keeper – Feb 2021

Exotics Keeper – Jan 2021

In this edition, why sugar gliders are so popular, and Colin Stevenson from Crocodiles of the World introduces us to a few of the rather less cuddly animals he works with.

Exotics Keeper – Dec 2020

A guide to making bioactive setups for desert reptiles such as the leopard gecko – a big but rewarding project gaining popularity in the herp-keeping hobby.

Exotics Keeper – Nov 2020

This first edition explores some of the most iconic, unusual, and attractive pet species on the planet and we speak to the zoologists and specialists who work with them.