Moving outside, I also saw how Joel and I are very different. While I am reptile exclusive and have a venomous guy and a crocodilian guy, Joel handles literally everything. We met a very old horse in the pasture and a group of llamas, even a Mule Deer. A selection of parrots chatted with us from their enclosures before we headed into the Big Cat land. And here is where I broke my promise to my husband of not playing with things that could kill me. This is also where I remind myself how much I love my job.

Meeting Gypsy up close and personal will always rank as one of the biggest highlights of my life. I can stand here now and say I have been kissed by one of the greatest apex predators in the world, and I have seen the intelligence in her eye. Each cat had a different story and a different history, but Gypsy will remain my favorite. Joel was amazing in sharing each cat's history, even that of Diablo, who holds a grudge against Joel, and Diana who hates Ton.

One of the more interesting things to me was the surgical reconstruction being done on the cats' paws. An anti-declaw person myself, I am heartbroken when I hear that these big cats are maimed by humans. I know the physical issues in house cats; now multiply that by 100. Joel was sharing which cats were declawed and which cats had started to receive reconstructive surgery, thus improving their quality of life. This is all part of the Paws Project, and in the end, the cats are able to live far more comfortably.

Forever Wild works in partnership with Loma Linda University on a variety of projects, and regularly crosses paths with the International Reptile Conservation Foundation at educational events hosted by the university as well. It was nice to get to know Joel and his crew before we all hit NARBC and shared the non-profit wall donated by show organizers Bob Ashely and Brian Potter. The space was huge for them to donate to these three organizations and I hope that Joel and the rest of the crew received a big load of donations. I know I will be adding them to my charities.

For more info about Forever Wild check out their webpage here. I want to thank Myke Clarkson for the lovely in-focus photos. He does a better job than I do. Here are a few shots taken by both me and Myke, but for the full gallery, click here.


Me and my favorite reptilian bulldog. Photo by Myke Clarkson


Joel and one of his charges. A definite love and respect between both. Photo by Myke Clarkson


This Gaboon was less than thrilled to have us bothering him. He was huffing and puffing away and peeking over the cage ledge. He did give me the giggles.


After the police confiscated the piranha from it's owner, he announced "I will get more you know". That is just an invitation for the police to come back. The original owner is now looking at possible life in prison on the California three strikes rule. Just because he wanted his fish, even if they were illegal.


Eyelash vipers are just beautiful. Photo by Myke Clarkson


Tortoises rule one of the outdoor pens.


Becca giving some love to the old man horse in the pasture. He was incredibly sweet but you could tell the years were not always gentle on him.


Myke in a stand off with one of the Llamas. He did NOT get spit on.


Love the warning sign as you enter the big cat area.


Lovely shot of one of the many tigers on the property. Photo by Myke Clarkson