.Until eight weeks ago, I had no idea what a liger was, until I read an article about this beautiful hybrid big cat that only thrives in captivity. According to A-Z Animals, a liger is the offspring of a male lion (Panther leo) and female tiger or tigress (Panther tigris), which is striped and can come in different colors like tan with black stripes. Additionally, the hybrid liger can also come out white with black stripes; however, the color depends on the color of the parents.

So far, ligers have not been found in the wild, because lions and tigers actually live in different areas of the world. According to A-Z Animals, these hybrid ligers are generally sterile and only a small number of these beautiful big cats can be found in different zoos. These hybrid big cats measure about 12ft. tall whenever they are standing on their hind legs. These amazing hybrid big cats are huge compared to it parents and generally is known is the world’s largest cat.

Mating in captivity can happen in two different ways, which can be completed by natural instincts and mating has been done by human intervention. According to A-Z Animals, the liger has the mom stripes and some have the father’s mane and generally takes after the father in look, but the liger’s mane doesn’t look like the majestic lion. Some male ligers may not even grow a mane. Every time a liger is born, it is anyone’s guess as to what he or she will look like once they are full grown 

One liger named, Hercules carries the world record in the 2014 Guinness Book of World Records for being biggest living liger in the world.  According to Huff Post, Hercules weighs 922lbs and 131 inches long, as well as 49 inches tall at the shoulders. He enjoys his home at the Myrtle Beach Safari Wildlife Preserve in South Carolina. As a liger, Hercules is an endangered species due to the small number of these hybrid cats in the world.

References:

A-Z Animals (2015) Liger
Retrieved on the World Wide Web on September 25, 2015
http://a-z-animals.com/animals/liger/

Huff Post (2015) Hercules, 922-Pound Liger, Is the World's Largest Living Cat (PHOTOS)
Retrieved on the World Wide Web on September 25, 2015
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/13/hercules-liger-worlds-largest-cat-photos_n_3920158.html

The Burmese Python and other exotic snakes have been getting bad press coverage lately in South Florida. I have decided to investigate the actual meaning of being a responsible owner of one of these exotic snakes. I found many interesting websites, which can educate a new snake owner. These snakes need special types of housing and care, so the new owner must be prepared to accommodate their growing needs.
                                                         
Knowledge is Power

Before buying the snake, a person needs to consider the expenses associated with buying these exotic animals. The animal will require veterinarian care, special housing, live animals, and so much more as they grow. Take time to study and know what type of snake that you are interested in owning. Many new snake owners buy the snake as a baby and don't realize how big they can become. In the right conditions and housing, these exotic snakes can grow to an enormous size and length.
 
Veterinarian Care

Every year or so, the snake will need a check-up or other medical care, but emergencies will pop up from time to time as well. Take time, before purchasing a snake and find a vet that is able to treat reptiles like snake and lizards. Not every veterinarian will offer this type of care, but the potential snake owner should look around for a local vet that offers this specialized care. Ask other reptile owners and pet shop personnel about the veterinarian that tends to their reptiles.
 
Special Housing

The snake will need an escape proof wooden cage that will allow the snake to grow for several years before having to be replaced. Most people build their own reptile enclosure, but they must be sure to consult a reptile cage building website before attempting to build one. An owner should never use a standard fish aquarium for housing, because the snake can escape once it grows bigger and stronger. The snake should have clean housing as well, in order to keep the snake from getting sick.

Live Animals

Snakes will eat small animals several times a week, but the amount will be based on their size and weight. They eat live rabbit and rats, which can cost the owner a lot of money after they begin to grow larger. These animals can be purchased at a local pet shop, but some snake owner breed their own small animals to cut the cost down. However, if an owner is squeamish they may not be able to handle feeding the snake live animals.

Conclusion

Exotic snakes require special care, as well as a responsible owner who can give them the proper care that they need. The potential snake owner should do his or her homework and interact with other snake owners. The snake will need the new owner to provide proper medical care, escape-proof housing, and live animals for the snake to stay healthy. However, this type of care can get expensive, so before making the purchase the potential snake owner should weigh the cost.

References:

Personal Knowledge & Experience