Happy New Year

from Exotics Keeper Magazine January 2021

THE TAIL END

Moving swiftly on from the challenges of 2020, there are at least a few promising signs which indicate that 2021 could be a vastly more enjoyable year — at least for the millions of new pet owners out there.

Statistics from across the board have shown a sharp uptake in the number of people acquiring new pets, whether they be the conventional furry friends, such as cats and dogs, or those of the exotic variety which frequent the pages of this magazine. If you’re one of them, here’s wishing you many joyous and fun-filled years of companionship with your new pet.

On a similar note, I was staggered to read The Federation of British Herpetologists report, estimating that there are likely at least as many reptiles being kept as pets in the UK as there are dogs! However, despite their popularity, it’s pleasing to know that comparatively few reptiles and amphibians end up in need of rescue or rehoming. Our tailend feature with Chris Newman from the National Centre for Reptile Welfare explores the work they do in this field.

EK expert Jim Collins talks us through why sugar gliders are so popular, despite being a bit stinky sometimes, and Colin Stevenson from Crocodiles of the World introduces us to a few of the rather less cuddly animals he works with.