Stalking the Wild

Minnows swim in the lake behind the Lightner Museum.

An Anhinga dove into the water and popped up again after a brief swim.

A pelican searches for fish in the swampy water.

A pelican rest in the water after landing from flight.

Two small birds

This is the Anhinga before it flew to the other side of the lake

Tons of different birds gather in the lake behind Flagler College and the Lightner Museum.

An alligator lounges on a bank located in the back of Pace Island neighborhood in Fleming Island, Fla.

The Alligator Farm

January 25, 2014. Stephanie Scavelli, Reptile Department curator, explains the many duties her job at the Alligator farm entails. She ensures all animal needs are met, making sure they receive food and attention, cleaning out animal areas and making sure they are under excellent living conditions.

The scarlet macaw carefully pays attention to Scavelli’s hand gestures. Each hand gesture signals a certain trick. If completed successfully, the macaw receives a treat.

A Goliath Tortoises walks towards Scavelli as she enters his home.

“Goliath tortoises are a lot like dogs,” said Scavelli, “they will always follow you around for food and attention.”

Scavelli carefully inspects a scratch under the eye of the male goliath tortoise.

Scavelli speaks to the male goliath tortoise as she gently peels back the loose skin of his scratch.

“Sometimes it is hard to give them all attention at once,”said Scavelli. The goliath tortoises automatically saunter to her presence.

Scavelli coaxes the female goliath tortoise to peek out of its massive shell.

The male goliath tortoise particularly loves the camera.

Scavelli prepares to feed rare albino alligators. She is scooping a special food, modified by scientist, to meet the nutrition needs of the rare species. “It is similar to how dog food is made,” said Scavelli.

Scavelli accurately tosses the specialized food pellets near the albino alligators head. If the food is thrown elsewhere, Scavelli must guide pellets with a stick towards the alligator so it can see the food.

A prevost’s squirrel hangs from a branch while nibbling on a sunflower seed.

Scavelli notices that a heat lamp is out in the python cage. She tentatively crawls in the back opening to change the bulb.

WIth the help of another zoo curator, Scavelli cautiously moves a ladder into the python cage to change out the lights.

Suspended above the python cage, Scavelli successfully changes all heat lamp bulbs.

A python, six foot in length, lurks under the ladder as Stephanie changes the heat lamp bulbs.

The red-ruffed lemur looks to Scavelli for a treat.

Scavelli switches the alligator hatchling to a tank with other hatchlings of the same size.

Soloman the lizard, born in ’88, is preparing for a live show with Scavelli.