Todd Schmidt is a Senior Herpetology Keeper at the San Diego Zoo, a job that he has dreamed of having ever since he was child. His job is to take care of the reptiles in his corridor of the Reptile House. Being a herpetologist is a job that requires skill and accuracy and if not cautious may be dangerous. Mr. Schmidt must take many safety precautions because many poisonous snakes reside in his area of the Reptile House.For example, when working with the spitting cobras, Schmidt wears a facemask. Equally as important as the safety equipment is being well versed in the animals’ natural behavior. Just because an animal is venomous doesn’t mean it wants to bite you. The herpetology keepers know each individual animal and they know the general behaviors of the species. Herpetologist keepers are a smart group.

The Brachylophus fasciatus, commonly known as the Fiji Banded Iguana, is a species of lizard that makes its home in the trees on the islands of Fiji and Tonga. Due to the introduction of mongoose and cats to the islands and habitat destruction, Fiji banded iguana populations have been declining over the past century. However, the one pictured above is a hybrid of the species, a rare individual with unique markings. These iguanas are actually owned by Fiji’s government and are being taken care of by the San Diego Zoo.

Corucia zebrata, commonly know as the Solomon Islands skink, is a species of reptile living in the trees of the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands skink is the largest species of skink. It is herbivorous, eating different types of fruit, and veggies, and the pothos plant.While observing the many unique creatures, this one caught my eye with its eye catching color and interesting skin.

The alligator snapping turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, reaching a weight of 220 pounds. These amazingly huge turtles can remain submerged under the water for one hour; with typically only the nesting females venturing out onto open land.Todd Schidmt, Senior Herpetologist Keeper, demonstrated the proper way to handle these amazingly huge turtles.

The Mossy Tree Frog, Theloderma corticale, is found in Vietnam and possibly China. This species is threatened by habitat loss. The amphibian’s dappled green and black bumpy skin gives this animal excellent camouflage in its surroundings. The mossy tree frog sat still in the hands of Todd Schimdt while the interns were busy chattering away with its neat looks.

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