Florida Business Breeds Giant Tortoises, Iguanas

Florida Business Breeds Giant Tortoises Iguanas LIVESTOCK Exotic Animals Owning a $65 000 500-lb male Galapagos tortoise may not fit your budget but if you are fascinated with tortoises - or iguanas - there are smaller less expensive species to consider Florida Iguana & Tortoise Breeders sells hatchlings and adults of breeds that president Sam Pascucci has carefully purchased from around the world for more than 30 years The Ft Lauderdale Fla resident says he has been infatuated with tortoises since he was 5 As he grew up and talked about wanting his own he remembers being told they cost a lot of money and you had to be a zoo to own one After a successful career Pascucci had the finances to pursue his tortoise dreams and has become well known for his expertise of successfully breeding rare tortoises and iguanas “My goal is propagation of the species ” Pascucci says noting there wasn’t a lot of readily available information when he purchased his first reptiles from a well-known breeder in the early 1980’s So he researched talked to veterinarians and studied everything he could Now his business is an approved and accredited breeding facility by the Zoological Association of America The ZAA asks him to write articles about his experience in recognizing behaviors that lead to successful breeding “There is a way to introduce them that they will be compatible You have to know how to put animals together and take them apart ” Pascucci says Just as in livestock breeds genetics are important and some buyers want offspring from specific parents “I have a following for some iguanas like Humphrey a Cuban iguana ” Pascucci says “People want a hatchling from him because of his appearance and behavior ” The business is known for its giant land tortoises and West Indies Cyclura Rock iguanas specifically the Cuban Rhino and Cayman Brac Hatchlings sell for $295 to $895 and live about 80 years the longest of all iguanas There is a waiting list for some species and some require a special permit to ship across state lines In addition to zoos from around the country many customers are breeders from Texas and California that have large outdoor spaces that are warm year-round to accommodate the reptile’s needs But some species are suitable for outdoors/indoors living in northern climates The elongated tortoise for example only grows to about 12-in and sells for $175 as a hatchling Many iguanas are also suitable as indoor pets Their diet is greens and Iguana Chow Tortoises are also herbivores and can eat alfalfa and timothy grass as well as Tortoise Chow Staff at Florida Iguana & Tortoise Breeders work with customers to make sure they understand the care and commitment that is required Some Galapagos tortoises have been known to live more than 250 years for example The business’s website includes photos and information about the tortoises and iguanas available for sale as well as educational articles and videos Live arrivals are guaranteed and come with a one-year health guarantee Plus the business offers a 30-day exchange While he runs a business Pascucci says his passion is for conservation and disseminating information to prevent species from becoming extinct “As I get older I want to help others so we can save endangered species ” he says Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Florida Iguana & Tortoise Breeders Ft Lauderdale Fla ph 754 444-1710; www floridaiguana com; sam@floridaiguana com

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