CARE OF CAPTIVE ANIMALS — WALKER 307 



not be kept in captivity. The sooner we admit that we really know 

 very little about the lives and requirements of wild animals, the 

 sooner we will be in a frame of mind to learn more about the subject, 

 with correspondingly increased success in keeping them. 



The observing, thoughtful person can amplify the sketchy outline 

 given herein and find many more foods, methods, and materials use- 

 ful in keeping animals. He will realize that the animals in any re- 

 gion eat only the plant, animal, or mineral products in their own 

 generally restricted ranges. This will suggest many local products 

 that are potential foods. 



Adoption of the rule that "the animal is always right" will go far 

 toward smoothing the road for both the pet and the owner. We are 

 fond of animals because they are animals; therefore they should be 

 allowed to live the lives of animals rather than forced to ape our 

 lives, actions, and methods. 



GENERAL CARE 



In providing for animals, it is important that we give considera- 

 tion to the range of temperature under which they normally live, 

 whether their home climate is dry or humid, what kind of food they 

 eat, and whether or not they vary their food from season to season 

 as many animals do. We should also provide the proper type of 

 shelter or nest, meet their requirements as to drinking water, tem- 

 perature of water, and know whether or not they need to swim or to 

 wallow in dust or mud. These are major necessities; but there are 

 many other important details in the life of every captive animal that 

 must be heeded if they are to be successfully kept. 



Before obtaining animals,^ persons should endeavor to ascertain 

 the proper care for them and be prepared to render such care upon 

 the animal's arrival. If specimens are obtained from dealers or 

 others who have had them in captivity, it is frequently possible to 

 obtain fairly satisfactory information as to their care. In some 

 instances irresponsible or poorly informed dealers will give erroneous 

 or incomplete instructions. An example of this is the advice given 

 by circus vendors to feed anolis, which they sell under the name of 

 chameleons, sweetened water. The animals saon die on this diet. 

 They eat live insects, and will thrive on flies. 



Obviously man cannot provide animals with exactly the same con- 

 ditions they would enjoy in the wild. It is therefore of great im- 

 portance that he give very careful heed to providing the substitutes 



' Almost every nation, country, State, and Province has restrictions on the capture, pos- 

 session, transportation, and importation of wild animals. Anyone who wishes to obtain 

 animals should first familiarize himself with the restrictions of the region in which he 

 expects to obtain the animals, and any of the restrictions that may apply to the method of 

 transportation contemplated and within the region in which he expects to keep them. 



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