The Reptile Super show in Pomona was another great herp event thanks to show promoter Ramy Guirguis and all the great vendors. Successful, well-r
The Reptile Super show in Pomona was another great herp event thanks to show promoter Ramy Guirguis and all the great vendors. Successful, well-run reptile shows and healthy animals help build the herp community and display us in a positive light. Quality shows are crucial as the reptile world grows and the Reptile Super Shows highlight the good side of our community. Thanks, Ramy and the Super Show crew, for putting on professional shows.
A huge shout-out to Matt Bernardin of SocalHerps who volunteered his expertise to troubleshoot technological difficulties encountered by one of USARK's most crucial tools (AKA Phil Goss' laptop computer). We'd also like to thank Unbelievaballs and K.C.'s Reptiles who made special snake-shaped chocolates with proceeds benefiting USARK.
Special thanks to Jordan Russell who teamed with USARK's Phil Goss for another successful benefit auction. Below is a list of donors who made the Super Show auction possible:
$1,000+: Zoo Med, Jim's House of Retics
$500+: Southern California Herp Association and Rescue (SCHAR), Serpents of the Damned, Exo-Terra, Jay and Laurie Zellweger, Prehistoric Pets, UnbelievaBalls, MistKing, Psychotic Exotics, Jon's Jungle, Reptile Super Show, Angel's Exotic Reptiles, Hyper Reptile, Layne Labs
$250+: Ton Jones, Greathouse Farm, Millipedes and More, Applegate Reptiles, Goss Reptiles, TSK Supply, Reptiles Reptropolis, DM Exotics, ECCO Geckos, Pet Kingdom
$100+: Loren Morales, Superior Balls and Dragons, Mike's Phat Frogs, Phantom Dragons, Reptile Basics, Predators Reptile Center, Joe's Snakes, Kammerflage Kreations, Rice Canyon Tropicals, Sunland Breeders, SanTan Reptiles, Dubi Deli, Bonnie's Unique Creations, Creative Pet Supply, Bassetts Cricket Ranch, GeckoEggOrganizer.com, Manzo Family Reptiles, Herp Nation Media, Forbidden Frogs, Rainbow Mealworms, Hardy Reptiles, SLO Gecko, KP Critters, Rock Em Sock Em Reptiles
Other Contributors: RNP Reptiles, Sensational Pets, Painted Reptile, Rog Reptiles, FL Chams, Murdock Reptiles, AcrylicReptileCages.com, ISIS Reptiles, Sandfire Dragon Ranch, Raul Perez, Bob Dole and Drew, Amazing Blue Reptiles, Pandora Morphs, Joe's Snakes, Dope Dragons
Volunteers: Lupe, Erin Sloan, Katy Bugler, Hanna, Isaiah, Carlos, Jason (SCHAR Prez), Reiner, Caitlin, Justuce, Mark, Erik, Erin, Kendyll, and Matt
If we missed anyone, please let us know. We appreciate the support from everyone as these fundraisers allow USARK to continue the battle against anti-pet groups and anti-herp legislation.
SCHAR Reptile Bowl-A-Rama
This was another great event organized by the Southern California Herpetological Association and Rescue (SCHAR). Once again, a bowling alley was filled with herpers talking reptiles and building relationships, making our community stronger. Following bowling, a benefit auction was held and some friendly, but competitive, bidding certainly ensued.
SCHAR is one of the most active herp societies in the country and they do loads to teach the general public about reptiles and our community through educational outreach programs. You can learn more and support this 501(c)3 organization at www.socalherpers.org and www.facebook.com/socalherpassn. Thank you, Jason, Mark, Rocky, Heather, Erik and SCHAR crew, for setting a great example for other herp societies.
Thank you to everyone that made this a memorable event and for your support of SCHAR and USARK.
Action Alert: Potential ESA Listing of Pyxis Tortoises
Deadline Sept. 8
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has made a 90-Day Finding that the listing of the Spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides) and the Flat-tailed tortoise (Pyxis planicauda) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act may be warranted. This includes all subspecies. If you have business, scientific, or display interests in these species, it is critical for you to provide information. Comments are due September 8, 2014.
What to do:
- Submit relevant information and comments directly to FWS at www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=FWS-HQ-ES-2014-0012-0001;
- Provide USARK with your concerns, relevant scientific and commercial data, and any other information you believe useful to assist us developing the Association’s comment. Email information to info@USARK.org.
FAQ, comment guidelines and more information at www.usark.org/2014-blog/pyxis-tortoises/.
TXARK and Snyder, Texas Update
Deadline Sept. 1
Raymond Shook was able to secure a spot on the September 8th City Council Meeting Agenda. Visit the link below to see how you can support Texas herpers and submit a letter by Sept. 1.
Get more information on this ordinance at www.facebook.com/TXARK/photos/. All Texas residents should Like the TXARK Facebook page and support this group at www.facebook.com/TXARK. Thanks, TXARK and Raymond Shook!
Florida Public Meetings Regarding Wildlife and Exotics
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced plans for seven meetings regarding captive wildlife. These meetings regard a periodic review and potential adjustments to the current regulations. Stakeholders and pet keepers can get details at http://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/FWC-2014-Workshops.pdf.
Other News/Events
Midwest Reptile Show: August 31 in Indianapolis, IN. More information at www.midwestreptile.com/index.php.
NARBC Anaheim: September 6-7 in Anaheim, CA. Get show information at www.narbc.com/Anaheim/anaheim.html.
Canadian Reptile and Exotic Pet Breeders Expo: September 13-14 in Toronto, Canada. More details at www.reptilebreedersexpo.ca/.
All Ohio Reptile Show: September 13 in Hilliard, OH. More details at www.allohioreptileshows.webs.com.
Chico Reptile Show: September 13 in Chico, CA. Show details at www.chicoreptileshow.com/.
Cin City Reptile Show: September 14 in Mason, OH. More details at www.cincityreptileshow.com.
Indiana Reptile Breeders' Expo: September 21 in Clarksville, IN. More details at www.irbexpo.com.
NARBC Arlington: September 27-28 in Arlington, Texas. Get more details at www.narbc.com/Arlington/arlington.html.
Sacramento Reptile Show: September 27-28 in Sacramento, CA. Show details at www.sacreptileshow.com/.
Georgia Reptile Experience: Sept. 27-28 in Macon, GA. More information for this educational event presented by the Georgia Reptile Society at www.gareptilesociety.org/experience/.
Kentucky Reptile Expo: October 4 in Louisville, KY. More details at www.kentuckyreptileexpo.com/.
SEWERFEST Reptile Show: November 9 in Sturtevant, WI. Be sure to stop by the MAHS and USARK booths. Show details at www.sewerfest.com/.
Northwest Reptile Expos: January 17 in Portland, OR. Show details at www.nwreptileexpos.com/.
