MaxMan Reptile Rescue
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Upstate Herpetological Association

In addition to the dedicated individuals who actually care for the reptiles, we would like to extend our thanks to the Veterinarians, Humane Societies and others who have helped us save the lives of so many reptiles; especially    
Dr Zenker of Burloak Animal Clinic in Ontartio, Dr. Kromp of Fruitport Animal Hospital in Fruitport, MI and Dr. Cheri Caparelli of Rock Acres Animal Clinic in Manlius, NY.

Our Staff

Our Central New York volunteer staff  includes Diana Sleiertin and her son Zachary ; Stephanie Heppler, Travis LaCroix and Tami Dix, and Brandon Ryan. Tami, Stephanie  and Travis have been working with the reptiles for over one year now, and are all excellent ambassadors for our reptilian critters. Brandon has just started and is doing well.We look forward to working with these fine  people for a long time to come.
 
Stephanie is the proud owner of several reptiles, including a gecko and a Uromastyx and provided lots of love to one of our rescued iguanas, Izzy, who sadly passed away recently. Travis and Tami also recently adopted two geckos from the rescue, and Travis will be graduating to a young (and growing) Boa Constrictor soon.
 
Our Canadian volunteer staff, for emergency purposes only, includes Emily Heikoop; with assistance from Paul Van oosten (Emily's husband), Judy Bailey, Nancy Heikoop and others.
 

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Diana is our founder, and happy owner of the majority of our current mascots.
She has been a reptile hobbyist for more than 12 years, beginning with her ownership of her beloved Green Iguana, Maximillian Thorpe. Since then, she has dedicated much of her time to learning about the many reptiles, and sharing this knowledge with the public. She is the primary presenter, coordinator and herptile handler.
 
She is also sharing this knowledge and experience with her young son, Zachary, who is enjoying himself thoroughly.
 
 

Zachary and Jackson
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Click for Veiled Chameleon Info

Zachary, loves his reptile pets and is especially proud of his new bearded dragon, Lou.  As a young reptile enthusiast, Zachary is learning (under supervision of course) how  to help care for his critters, including misting his tanks, feeding crickets to the geckos and how to properly handle small lizards and snakes.
 
Zachary's first reptile was a rescued Veiled Chameleon, Jackson. Zachary's gentle touch helped nurse Jackson through a few illnesses. Zachary learned quite a lot of information about his pets so that he, too, can share this information with his classmates and others.
 
He is becoming an excellent reptile handler. He often shows his compassion and concern for his little bearded dragon, as he did with his chameleon. We are very proud of his progess.

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Our Programs

Educational:
 
We offer educational programs to civic groups, educational facilities and just about anyone else who is interested in learning about reptiles, their proper captive care, their status in the environment and much more. Since the Rescue is privately funded, there is a base fee for all visits. For charitable civic groups, flexible fee arrangements can be made.
 
Educational presentations are flexible and can be designed to fit school curricula, and is age appropriate. These presentations include approximately 6-10 animals and offer an opportunity for the students to interact with some of the larger, docile reptiles.
 
Entertainment:
 
To additionally provide financial support for the animals of the Rescue, we also offer the unique opportunity of having reptiles visit for a Birthday Party. The birthday child gets to wear a MaxMan Reptile Rescue shirt and safari hat, and meet with all of the reptiles. The group goes on a "psuedo safari", as we introduce reptiles from all over the world. Provided with informational papers to follow along as a "scavenger hunt", we reward the youngsters with a mini "reptile themed" goodie bag. The birthday child will receive a custom made souvenir birthday card with his or her picture with one of the reptiles. The party will provde age appropriate information to the children and an opportuntiy for them all to interact with the reptiles. Parents are encouraged to stay.
 
All funds go directly into the care of the reptiles - providing feed, maintenance, veterinary care and husbandry.

Our Story:
 
The Rescue came into being about 7 years ago, after we recognized a need for such a rescue. The founder, Diana, owned a large Green Iguan, Max, who was a lively, friendly and most importantly, healthy lizard! Max and Diana were often invited to local schools to talk about Max and his history. Eventually, friends at the local SPCA were asking if this lizard or that snake could be fostered by Diana, until a home could be found. What started as one became two then three, then more than one could count.... and thus the Rescue evolved.
 
Since that time, Diana, Emily, Judy, Paul and Nancy, accompanied by other friends and volunteers, have been sharing their interests and knowledge of reptiles with children and adults. They have spent many hours researching the various animals that come into the rescue, contacting local experienced "exotics" veterinarians and specialists in the herpetology field, including curators from the many larger zoos. This type of networking has been extremely helpful to the staff and immensely beneficial to the welfare of the animals.
 
Now moving on, as families have expanded and friends have moved on, the Rescue has put on hold taking in animals, except in emergency situations, concentrating on more education and information, as well as consulting and connecting reptile owners with the proper "herper" network. We hope with the continued education, by ourselves and others, that one day, we will be out of a job as rescuers, and that people will take peet ownership responsibly and care for the reptiles properly.
 
 

Click for info on Reptiles in Education
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Diana sharing a juvenile water monitor,Kenge, with 4th graders (2004)

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