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Hi from Bronx Zoo herpetologist

Z

zookeeperfrank

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Hello All,

I'm recently retired from a career of over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo, and have participated in field research efforts with a variety of amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates and other creatures in several countries. I currently write and manage ThatReptileBlog http://bitly.com/Ksb7pY where I address the conservation, natural history and care of herps and invertebrates, and answer readers' questions pertaining thereto. New articles are posted 2-3 times weekly.

The balance of my time is spent writing books, consulting for zoos and museums and (when luck favors me!) in field research.

My biography and photos of some of the creatures I’ve been lucky enough to work with is posted at http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp.

I look forward to corresponding with as many members as possible in the future.

Best, Frank Indiviglio
 
Nice to see you here, Frank...the Long Island Herp Society would love to have you do a talk or if you'd just like to come to a meeting with your son, we'd love to have you, thanks, Tim
 
Slice of the Jungle said:
Nice to see you here, Frank...the Long Island Herp Society would love to have you do a talk or if you'd just like to come to a meeting with your son, we'd love to have you, thanks, Tim
Click to expand...

Thanks, Tim.. I recall giving a talk there perhaps 20+ years ago, still in touch on occasion with 1 old timer but schedule and all has kept me from meetings. Please send details re times and all when you have a moment: [email protected]

I've always relied upon the zoo for films, slides etc when doing talks and so have not built up my own collection, unfortunately. I have an old VHS tape of field work with anacondas, transferred to CD but poor quality. My schedule is packed right now but perhaps can work something out.

Best, Frank
 
Hi Frank! I think I met you several years ago. I visited the Bronx Zoo and got a behind-the-scenes tour of the reptile house with Cornell University's herpetology class, led by Dr. Harry Green (he works with tropical snakes, if my memory serves me correctly). Fantastic facility! I really enjoyed the bog and spotted turtles when they were there. Glad to see another academic/professional on Fauna... there are a few of us here but we tend to be scattered around. ;-)
 
snowgyre said:
Hi Frank! I think I met you several years ago. I visited the Bronx Zoo and got a behind-the-scenes tour of the reptile house with Cornell University's herpetology class, led by Dr. Harry Green (he works with tropical snakes, if my memory serves me correctly). Fantastic facility! I really enjoyed the bog and spotted turtles when they were there. Glad to see another academic/professional on Fauna... there are a few of us here but we tend to be scattered around. ;-)
Click to expand...

Hi,

Thanks and nice to be in touch. Yes, that was likely me...shortly after Harry Greene's groundbreaking book, Snakes: the Evolution of Mystery in nature, was published. He signed my copy that day. He remains involved in work that is unique, different than the usual; was involved in this study of python predation on humans.

What are you up to?

Best, Frank
 
I'm a professor up at the University of Minnesota in Crookston. The only reptile up here is the garter snake, although we do have some amphibians (notably northern leopard frogs). I have come to be known as the snake lady at the college though, and I'm hoping to teach the first-ever herpetology course offered at this campus next year. I was pretty surprised when it wasn't already available, and it's a gaping hole in an otherwise solid curriculum that needs to be desperately fixed. I only keep ball pythons, leopard geckos, and a lone African fat-tailed gecko, but considering the lack of knowledge up here about native species I was toying with the idea of getting a couple corns and western hognose as education animals.

How about you? After 20 years at the Bronx Zoo, I can't imagine you're going to slip into obscurity too quickly. ;-)
 
Hi Vanessa,

I hope the course becomes a reality...would be an exciting project I'm sure. I've been consulting, largest project was the demolition/rebuilding of the Staten island Zoo's reptile house, put on map by Carl Kauffeld. I'd haunted the bldg since childhood, did not really want to see the huge old exhibits changed but out of my hands. Have also done work for the Brklyn Children's Museum, Mariitme Aq, a project in Japan with several zoos, even some collecting for exhibits, so have been fortunate. With economy as it is, such work slow now, so mainly writing - several books, and the blog articles for thatpetplace keep me busy in-between. I've been caring for 4 1/2 yr old nephew 1-2 x week since birth; out in field all the time; that tops all.

Please stay in touch, best, Frank
 
Thanks very much, glad to be here! I've been very lucky; please let me know if you need any career-type info, or links to articles on specific animals/topics. Best, Frank
 
Will keep that in mind, I go to my Indianapolis zoo often. I love just asking questions when the zoo keepers have time.

I wanted to go into zoology, but didn't think I could handle the schooling for it. So I stayed in Art and kept animals as a hobby.

What exactly does it take to get into your career?
 
blackandblue_lulu said:
Will keep that in mind, I go to my Indianapolis zoo often. I love just asking questions when the zoo keepers have time.

I wanted to go into zoology, but didn't think I could handle the schooling for it. So I stayed in Art and kept animals as a hobby.

What exactly does it take to get into your career?
Click to expand...

Art must be fascinating as well, assuming it is an interest. Here in NYC I am always at the various museums, and several friends own galleries; I don't always understand everything I see, but appreciate much of it.

Career prep varies a great deal, depending on goals and also the institution involved. Most zoos require a 2 yr degree for keepers, some ask for a 4 year degree, but experience (nature centers, farms, volunteer work) is impt, especially as older staff retires - need people with hands-on skills as well. Field research, curatorial work etc req a masters and oft a pHD, but in large zoos keepers can often participate in field work if funding is available. Volunteer work, locally or with Earthwatch type orgs, is a great way to keep enjoy the hobby. Following just an intro, some options:

http://bitly.com/MhMbqB
http://bitly.com/J0tTd9

Best, Frank
 
Thanks a lot Frank! Yeah, I'll stick to volunteer work where I can find it.

I am in Animation, so yes, It is quite enjoyable. I can do fine arts, graphic design, etc. as well.
 
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