Fang & Claw anyone remember it????

I remember it. I miss it too. It was an incredible store and Aldo was really cool. That's a long time ago. You're showing your age my friend!

To all the people who knew Aldo Passera.
Our friend Aldo Passera passed away yesterday at his daughters home
in NYC. He died from complications of ALS.
Aldo was a pioneer in the field of reptiles. He traveled the world collecting reptiles and in the late 1960's, opened Fang & Claw on 14th St. in NY.
It was my home away from home as it was for many young people who loved reptiles. His knowledge was vast. He was breeding snakes long before anyone.
He will be sorely missed.

Marc

Hello,

Just noticed this, thanks for posting. I'm recently retired from the Reptile Dept at the Bronx Zoo. Aldo was a good friend; I was lucky....remained in touch, saw him when he came to NYC to see his family. I visited the week before his passing; we'll not see another like him anytime soon, but he left a great legacy. Frank

Hi Frank
I remember you. I think I talked to you at the herp show in
Florida many years ago. Maybe decades ago.
I feel honored knowing Aldo all these years. He spoke well of you.
I went to a party in his honor in july that his family had.
it was what he wanted. I wish you could have been there.
I saw pete brazaites there and a lot of reptile friends.
I didn't get to see him and didn't know he was sick.
the memories we share are unique. Hope you're well.
marc schansinger

Originally Posted by Marc S

Hi Frank
I remember you. I think I talked to you at the herp show in
Florida many years ago. Maybe decades ago.
I feel honored knowing Aldo all these years. He spoke well of you.
I went to a party in his honor in july that his family had.
it was what he wanted. I wish you could have been there.
I saw pete brazaites there and a lot of reptile friends.
I didn't get to see him and didn't know he was sick.
the memories we share are unique. Hope you're well.
marc schansinger

Yes Mark, ..I haven't been lately, but did get there a few times in the past. Have you gone lately...heard the show was slowing down a bit...

I regret missing the get together.

Stay well, Frank

Mark,

Memory kicking in...were you involved with tropical fish at the time, perhaps keeping marmosets also..?

Your memory serves you well.
no fish or primates anymore.
Too much work. Funny how it wasn't a lot
of work when I was younger.
went to the reptile show in white plains
a couple of weeks ago. Bought a jungle carpet python.
screaming yellow and black.
I have to say I really miss aldo although im glad he grew up
at a time when no one knew anything about keeping reptiles.
it was all new and exciting. Its a different world now.
it wss good to catch up with you. Hope retirement
fits you. Marc

Originally Posted by Marc S

Your memory serves you well.
no fish or primates anymore.
Too much work. Funny how it wasn't a lot
of work when I was younger.
went to the reptile show in white plains
a couple of weeks ago. Bought a jungle carpet python.
screaming yellow and black.
I have to say I really miss aldo although im glad he grew up
at a time when no one knew anything about keeping reptiles.
it was all new and exciting. Its a different world now.
it wss good to catch up with you. Hope retirement
fits you. Marc

Wow, good to hear, I remember you well, Mark. I know what you mean about the works and all, but I'm caring for my 5 year old nephew often, which keeps me slogging through swamps and such in north Jersey, where he lives. Yes, our field is so different now; I left Bx Zoo after 21 years, but before actual retirement date...too many changes for me, some good younger people of course, but not there at least when I left. Doing some freelance...consulted on the renovation of the Staten Is Zoo's reptile house (I preferred the huge old cages, but out of my hands. I write articles here...mostly captive care, but some old zoo stories, etc. Let me know if you'll be at an upcoming show, or in Manhattan, maybe we can meet. I have an Aldo story that you'd enjoy, along with the actual Ditmars books that he continually checked out in high school. Stay well, Frank