Employees at Utah's Hogle Zoo participate in rigorous training and are required to follow exact protocols to keep venomous creatures from contact with the public.
, the Great Basin rattlesnake is the only venomous snake species capable of harming humans, as one of five rattlesnake species found in the state, and the Gila monster found in southern Utah is the largest lizard species native to the United States.
Before any hands-on training begins, candidates for venomous handling must be senior keepers, measured by tenure, and complete 25 hours of observation of venomous handling by someone already certified. Practical training is then carried out, as the candidate learns to handle each of the venomous species using long snake hooks and gloves.
Gila monsters and Mexican beaded lizards can be picked up and handled two different ways, and candidates must demonstrate proficiency with each. The enclosures of venomous species are outlined with red tape, cards identifying the animal also printed in red, and the locks on the enclosure are also red. Only venomous trained keepers have keys to those locks. It is impossible, at a glance, to not know where venomous animals are located.
A red and yellow sign is placed outside the kitchen door and another sign, that looks like a stop sign, is placed on the outside door handle. This tells keepers outside the room that venomous handling or exercise is in progress and they should communicate by radio with those inside, rather than enter.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ally’s Adventures brings the petting zoo to youAllyson Andrews has always loved animals. It started with her kids showing livestock in 4-H. That part of her life is now over, but the animals are still there.
Read more »
Fort Worth Zoo's lions and tigers return with opening of new habitatAfter years of construction, the Fort Worth Zoo opened a new exhibit and welcomed back its big cats.
Read more »
‘Tiger King’ Trainer And Zoo Owner Convicted In VirginiaBhagavan “Doc” Antle, who featured prominently in the hit docuseries Tiger King, has been convicted in Virginia on four felony counts related to the purchase and sale of endangered anim…
Read more »
Goat herder discovers human remains near Oakland Zoo; homicide detectives on sceneHomicide investigators were on the scene Friday afternoon of the discovery of human remains near the Oakland Zoo, authorities said.
Read more »
African lion pride swells with birth of 4 cubs at Buffalo ZooFour African lion cubs were born at the Buffalo Zoo earlier this month and all appear to be healthy and growing, the zoo announced.
Read more »