With proper care, a crested gecko can live up to 20 years in captivity; a red-tailed boa, 30; a red-footed tortoise, 70. But when neglected, abused and mishandled, this lifespan can be cut drastically short. NMU’s Fisheries and Wildlife Association (FWA) aimed to educate students and community members on the importance of proper animal care and clarify some of the common misconceptions surrounding our less furry friends.
Hosted in Jamrich 1322 on Tuesday, April 22, the “Critter Classroom” Meet & Greet showcased over 15 animals in a “controlled and supervised setting,” which allowed attendees to observe and interact with species that are often misunderstood.
Northern Scales, a locally owned exotic pet shop, provided the animals for the meet and greet. The small business actively takes in and rehabilitates abused animals that have been injured, malnourished or abandoned, and gives them the proper care every pet deserves.
The Critter Classroom encouraged potential pet owners to check out Northern Scales and consider adopting an animal they may not have considered before attending the seminar.
“The main goal is to stress and spread awareness on proper care and proper education to make sure these animals stop going through everyday abuse,” said Gabi Langston, an FWA member who presented at the meet and greet. “It’s a lot about talking to people and telling them the right information, the right things to do and the right ways to go about it.”
Langston’s love for reptiles began at age 12 when she and her best friend became interested in snakes. A few years later, in 2018, both were able to actualize their dream of becoming exotic pet owners after purchasing two ball pythons. Seven years later, Langston’s python is alive and well, thanks to her proper care and treatment.
The seminar also emphasized the importance of understanding animal rights in Michigan and nationwide. According to the Michigan Legislature, adequate care of an animal is the “provision of sufficient food, water, shelter, sanitary conditions, exercise, and veterinary medical attention in order to maintain an animal in a state of good health” (Michigan Legislature, Act 328). Breaching this statute can result in jail time, fines, community service and the prohibition of owning pets in the future.
For those unable to attend the Critter Classroom, the FWA intends to host another meet and greet next year, along with other informative events through the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. If you are interested in learning more about exotic pets and the care they require, visit Northern Scales, located inside the Masonic Center on West Washington Street.
