Episode 135. Advocating for the Right to Keep Responsibly, with Tony Wigley

Keeping amphibians and reptiles enriches the lives of millions of people world-wide.  According to the National Institute of Health, "Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood." (1) In addition, it should also be noted that private hobbyists and other entities maintaining captive amphibians have contributed substantially to conservation and preservation efforts. The AZA Amphibian Husbandry Guide states that, "There are many reasons to keep amphibians in captivity including for purposes of exhibition, education, conservation, preservation, and for hobby and personal interests." (2)However, despite all the benefits to both keepers and the species they work with, there are entities out there who aim to damage and destroy the world of responsible and ethical keeping . Full out bans, white lists, and harsh legislation are becoming more and more common nowadays.  As responsible keepers, we have an obligation to educate others and to advocate for ourselves before it’s too late. This week I am joined by Tony Wigley of ResponsibleReptileKeeping.org  Tony's mission with the RRK is to advocate for the reptile and amphibian hobbies by educating others and to dispel the numerous myths that perpetuate within the anti reptile and amphibian hobby narratives. The RRK works as a media platform that includes a podcast, youtube videos, and a newsletter that is accessible to enthusiasts at all levels. It’s my pleasure to sit down with Tony this week and discuss many of the serious issues facing herpeteculture today. To learn more, to become a member, and to get involved, visit:https://responsiblereptilekeeping.org/To support the podcast by becoming a Patron, for Merch, and for a 10% listener discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium, visit: https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCastMore about this week's guest-Tony Wigley is a journalist, podcaster, and founder of Responsible Reptile Keeping. Tony has four decades of experience in herpeteculture, and is well versed in all aspects of the reptile industry.  References(1)https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets#:~:text=Interacting%20with%20animals%20has%20been,support%2C%20and%20boost%20your%20mood. (2)https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2332/amphibianhusbandryresourceguide.pdf