Vet On The Wild Side

Animals for food?

2011-01-25T17:08:00.001+08:00

Shortly right after being away from the active work force, raw meats, especially the parts like wings, thigh, feet has certainly appear unappetising, and at times quite a turn off to me. Perhaps taking a break from work has made me less of a carnivore, as I no longer need to act like one, always on the look out, watching my back, defending my 'territories', analysing, strategising....Thus, it is true what people say: Workplace is in fact a war zone, where the strong prey upon the weak.

I was at KLCC Convention Centre last weekend (22-23 Jan 2011) for a seminar, and The World Press Photo Exhibition was on at the same time. Many astounding photographs that would cause a quake in the more gentle souls, of scenes from riots in the streets, aggressions, prostitution, assassination, bomb blast, even stoning of a live man. However for me, the series of photographs by Tommaso Ausili, Italy, entitled "The Hidden Death", left quite an impression of how animals are processed into food for us, humans. Even the caption had stated, many if not most people didn't realised what went on in the slaughter house, in order for all the well packed, cling-wrapped on Styrofoam plate meats and dressed fowls to be on the supermarket aisles.

A comic depicting chickens looking at their fellow "friend" or "family member" being roasted, and the cartoon "Chicken Run", where the lead chickens: Rocky and Ginger try to escape the farmer's pie machine, may seem amusing as they are colourful and though virtually "alive", yet it is physically not. Ausili's photos is very alive, and has spurred much controversies as to eating meat is an act of cruelty to animals. This is not just about animals being slaughtered, but also how they are bred and raised for the sole purpose of becoming food for humans. A debate that would have very strong supporters on each side, and yet there will never have a winner on. However, the photo where the lambs are looking on while the others were slaughtered and being skinned, is actually extremely gruesome if you imagine if a person is witnessing the killing and skinning of his or her kind, is either psychotic or traumatised for life. I wonder if the photo is "staged", if the lambs actually looking in every time, and do the lambs "understand" what they are seeing? Alas, I can do a pretty good meehhh, but don't get it when, and if, I get a reply.

Despite being 'disturbed" by these photos, I am yet to be a vegetarian. Still being succumbed by temptations of the well cooked, flavour full meats from time to time. But, I do eat very much less meat nowadays, at times have gone few days in a week, every week, without any animal proteins. It is quite possible having a less meat diet is what we should do, as our ancestors did from tens and hundred thousands years ago. If not for the animals' sake, perhaps for our own health's sake. Go Paleo!

Pakatan Rakyat Convention - 10 resolutions: My hopes and doubts

2011-01-06T14:17:00.000+08:00

I have received the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) resolutions in my email today, not sure if it was initially sent out by PR's supporter or their promotional wing as nobody put their name on it. Though it appeared like a propaganda for votes at the end. Anyway, it got me thinking, and just had to voice out my views though it is not my main interest in this blog.

I'm not convince of promises, sometimes it is too good to be true. Give me real proven results and realistic propositions. Not just free this and that, give aways, incentives, etc. Malaysia has bountiful of resources, but we do not have a bottomless treasure mountain. I'm not a supporter of Barisan Nasional (BN) nor PR, in fact I'm terribly dissapointed over Malaysian political scene for the past few years.

Perhaps the politicians need to "mature", and quickly too in view of rapid global development. Time and time again they had appeared to be whiny toddlers and hot-headed teenagers, in and out of the Parliament and State Assembly. We want issues that concern with our daily lives to be address, not some silly statements utter by senile ill informed MPs.

Pakatan Rakyat convention - 10 resolutions

The Pakatan Rakyat convention in Penang sent an unmistakable and chilling signal to arch rivals - Prime Minister Najib Razak and the Umno-BN coalition. Despite a roller coaster journey since sweeping to power in the 2008 general election, Pakatan has not been diminished by the enmity and malice unleashed by its political opponents, but has been able to mature and grow stronger in the process.

"You name it, whatever problems, whatever hardship or stone or rock that the Umno-BN could find, they have thrown it at us. But we are committed to an agenda of change and that needs the removal of the current federal government," Opposition Leader and Pakatan de-facto head Anwar Ibrahim told Malaysia Chronicle at the sidelines of the congress.

Indeed, the star-studded conference hall was packed with the likes of PAS president Hadi Awang, Mujahid Yusof Rawa, PKR president Wan Azizah, Selangor Mentri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh.

Pakatan delegates and other members of the public who wanted to meet their 'reformasi' heroes were spoiled for choice. DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who is also Penang Chief Minister, played host to the 2,000-strong crowd at the convention.

Racial policies rejected, preliminary 10-point manifesto unveiled.

In a rousing opening address, Guan Eng warned Prime Minister Najib Razak's Umno party not to 'hijack' the federal constitution and misinterpret the controversial Article 153 to divide the ethnic groups in the country.
"Somehow Umno always fails to mention that Article 153 also states that the legitimate interests of other communities must also be protected,” Guan Eng said.

“Umno will always try to play up the relationship between PAS and DAP. They want to politicise this. They will use the 3Rs — Race, religion and ‘Raja’ (the Rulers) to try and drive a wedge between us."

Guan Eng also unveiled a ten-point document to be signed by all the top Pakatan leaders and which is set to become the coalition's preliminary manifesto in the coming general election. The resolutions outline in detail the changes Pakatan will introduce within the first 100 days of its taking over Putrajaya if it wins the next general election expected to be held early next year.

The resolutions are:
And my hopes and doubts in blue:

1. A restructure of institutions including the Elections Commission (EC), the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Royal Malaysian Police. During a debate on the policy framework, DAP’s Anthony Loke said PR bring the MACC under the purview of Parliament.

Resturcture all you like, if the politicians do not let go of their grip on these agencies, nothing will change. Put it under Parliament? That would be the worst decision ever, directly being manipulated by the politicians. Let's face it, Parliament is run by politicians, not by the government. Ministers are regarded as "gods" and not be offended by even the top government officers, not many are willing to speak truthfully in fear of being regarded of disrespect, also not wanting to "rock the boat". Bad practices as this trickles all the way down to all levels of government service. Thus, a good worker and person is not always at the winning end.

2. A repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA)
ISA works if not abused, there are still many that would act or speak recklessly and put public in danger if there's nothing to stop them quickly. These people could "escape" from the regular laws as loop holes are plenty, especially in cases when $$ can do wonders. We only see the sensational arrests in the limelight, thus perhaps it is not the whole story. The law is not at fault, enforcement of it is in question. Bet you didn't know that law offenders, except those with capital crimes like murder, robbery, drug traficking; could be arrested and be out in minutes with a bail if the lockups at the police station is full, which is often. This is not hearsay, first hand experience from illegal wildlife enforcement that I happened to be at.

3. Instruct Khazanah Berhad, Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and other government bodies to take over highway assets from the concessionaires in order to abolish the toll system.
Most if not all government projects are in losses, government lack good managers and administrators as in the private sectors, especially in the areas of finance, economy and human resource. What do you expect, when you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. And most important of all, often people that are good in their jobs are always not the person in charge. If PR wants to take up all these major projects into the government, they have to look into human resource very seriously. Government services are very heavy on administrative and management, yet totally inefficient, and very low on acquiring technical skills, and organisational support is extremely weak.

4. A restructure of the country’s subsidies, to lessen subsidies given to the private sector (such as the RM19 billion in gas subsidies given to independent power producers) and transferring these to subsidies for the man on the street.
Transparency. Does the man in the street will really get the profits and benefits? And would all these subsidies be sustainable? Malaysia is in deficit every year for more than 1 decade, stop the "leak" and make sure we are not cleaning out our reserves for short term gratification and for vote fishing.

5. Acknowledging the role and sacrifices of civil servants by studying the current pay schemes and increasing the incentives for teachers by RM500 a month
Again, as in 3. There is a major imbalance of workload and responsibilities place only on some, not all. The backstabbing, cronyism in govt service is unbelievable for the tuppence they get. People become position and power crazy, as merits are not base heavily on technical knowledge and skills. In the end, the experienced people lost their skills and knowledge over administrative paperworks, and the valuable knowledge are never passed on, as they are stuck in the office day... and many times, night.
The Professional and Administrative level Govt officers, many, I was one of them, works overtime and sometimes during holidays and weekends too, without reimbursement. Sometimes not even replacement leaves, however not relevant anyway as if the leaves can be used, there would be no need for overtimes.
I was amazed and delightfully amazed that FRIM adopt a system where the experienced officers that are soon to be retired step down from their administrative post, yet retaining their grade (which determines their salary & allowance), and go heavily into research and training up the new officers. This way, the younger officers have a chance at being the bosses, which many wants to, but still the experience and knowledge within the organisation would not wither away in the 4-walls of an office under mountains of paperwork. I hope all government office can adopt this system, especially where technical knowledge and skills is a major requirement in their work.

6. Transferring private water concessions to the government
Yes, government should be providing all the basic necessities...however be efficient, act quick and not just be "casual" about it because it is by the government. Water should not be free for all, people tend to waste and not be appreciated when it is free. TNB's below RM20 free scheme is one I am very happy with.

7. Offering free wireless Internet access to those in urban and semi-urban areas
Again, cost and effect must be taken account of. Millions and billions spent must in turn provide quality. Wide and free coverage but snail speed doesn't work, might as well go back to the good old postage. I would like to see my tax money to go into something useful to every lay person on the street, like internet, public transport, water, electricity, healthcare. Not 100-storey building that only some events may take place, and some people may go to. As a matter of fact, why not renovate and improve on existing buildings, like the PWTC, which is already in the middle of city centre, easily accessible by publkic transport, and badly required a good do-up.

8. Cancelling Felda Plantations and opening up its farms to second- and third generation Felda settlers.
FELDA has done some good for the people, but of course it could have done much better. Open up by all means, but work collectively. Time and again many projects has proven, small holders do not do as well if they act on their own. To be able to own lands and planting is one thing, to market and profit...that's equally if not more important. Most planters do not know how or even where to sell, other than in the local wet market...thus a major setback to their income and profits. While the middleman gets the profits, and we the consumers have to pay for expensives goods. I would be very happy if somebody will call for cheaper food, #1 concerns of all rakyat.

9. Increasing oil royalty payments to Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu and Kelantan to 20 per cent from 5 per cent currently.
Great to have more money to the states to ensure a more balanced development throughout the countries. Just make sure it is development for the benefit of all, and not for few.

10. Formation of a Royal Commission to solve the problem of illegal immigrants and citizenship issues in Sabah and Sarawak .
Form the Royal Commission, formulate a working plan and stick with it, and that need a head that will bulldoze through no matter the obstacles...many times things just fizzle off and get swept under the carpet...never resolve. Illegal immigration has been a problem for decades, would not be resolve overnight. Start at the state, prove that PR can really do it. In fact, this holds true for most major problems face in Malaysia. Ministers will call for working groups, committees, even Royal Commissions, but did all these actually get down to the core of the problem to resolve them once and for all, or just a face put up to placate the uproar temporarily.

Don't you think Pakatan Rakyat deserves your vote for a change for the better at the next 13th G. E.?
Evidence? Look at the improvements in Penang and Selangor.
If PR performed well, rakyat have sharp eyes and ears, would know and vote accordingly.
Penang has improved, many people I've talked to are happy with the changes. Selangor still has much more to be done. Cross between KL and Selangor, you can see and feel the difference. At times it is almost like stepping between urban and rural areas, truly baffling yet undeniably factual.

Update: Reptile Medicine Training Course at Melaka Zoo. It's On!

2010-08-04T11:03:00.000+08:00

Great news! Meeting between officers from Department of Wildlife and National Parks and Taipei Zoo, Taiwan R.O.C on 2nd August 2010 had been a great kick start to the Reptile Medicine Training Course. It was agreed that the training course will be held at Melaka Zoo, 30 November till 2nd December 2010. Date is pending agreement from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia on loan of x-ray machine and technician.

The training course will focus on 3 main groups of reptiles: tortoises/terrapins, snakes and crocodiles. These groups of reptiles are the most abundantly found, kept in zoos in South-east Asia, and encountered by wildlife veterinarian. As usual, veterinary medicine training courses is never without loads of field work. We are planning to take in 24 participants in total, from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Phillipines, Thailand, Laos, and Singapore.

Loads of preparations and arrangements to be done, loan of equipments, booking of hotel, rest houses, arrangement of food with the restaurant, invitations to send out, follow-ups, receiving the applications, communications with the applicants, arrangement of transport for the speakers and participants, moving the equipments to Melaka Zoo, etc.

We are planning for a full workout this time around, radiography, ultrasonography, haematology and biochemistry analysis, anaesthesia, physicalk capture (be careful here), and lots of discussions and exchange of knowledge and informations. This would be a great course!

Translocation of Wild Animals in Tropical Jungles Is No Piece of Cake

2010-07-29T22:51:00.001+08:00

We have seen quite a number of ducumentaries where wild animals were tranquilised and translocated in the wide open Savannah or African wilderness. Modern facilities such as helicopter, crane, huge truck and lorries, are being utilise in translocation of wild animals. Gone are the days where a hunter need to hire 10 to 20 tribesman and at times soldiers, bringing equal amounts of cattle to carry supplies and provisions, in an hunting or adventurous expeditions. However, the situation remains the same over centuries in the deep jungle of tropics. In Malaysia, the species that most frequently required translocation are the elephants, Malayan tapirs, Malaysian tigers, Malayan Sun bears, and leopards. And unfortunately, these animals had to be translocated due to their shrinking habitat, caught by snare wire, and wildlife-human conflict.

Sun bear caught in snare illegal set by poachers

The tropical rain forest is extremely dense with vegetations, it is almost impossible to find a flat grassland like the Steppes and Savannah, unless the area was previously cleared. Therefore, it is impossible to bring in heavy machineries such as huge trucks, lorries and cranes, or even pick-up trucks . Though, we may still acquire services of local tribesman from time to time, as undeniably they are excellent trackers and pathfinders. Most of the time, around 15 to 20 (if the number is available) wildlife rangers will be deploy for wildlife translocation operation, they will provide the brute strength to move the wild animals, plus crate, out of the jungle. Or in the cases of elephant translocation, two tame and trained elephants will lead the wild elephants out, it would be impossible to move a sedated nor a crated elephant with human energy. Lorries will park at the edge of the jungle awaiting the entourage of elephants from the deep jungle.

Tame female elephants leading the wild young bull out of the thick jungle

And for the same reason, we can only track or trap these wild animals, unless they were unfortunately caught in a snare. It is not an option to round them up in a boma (permanent or make shift areas to enclose individual or herd of wild animals), as they would not be visible under the thick vegetations and undergrowth beyond 5 feet, and definitely we will not get an aerial view of moving animals, only the lush green tree tops. Due the the high risk involved with tracking carnivores such as tigers, leopards, and their relatively small size that could easily dissapear in the woods, these animals are usually trapped. They are then tranquilised and carried out either in a net or crate to the awaiting transport vehicle. If unfortunately they are injured, too young or too old to be release into a new habitat, these animals will be sent to rescue centres or the zoo.

Elephants loaded onto customised lorries to be translocated to new habitat

As a person with a wild heart, thus I did not and hopefully will never succumb to the "comfort" of an office or clinic, and prefer to work in the field. It is truly sad to see these animals having to be confined within captive situations such as a rescue centre or a zoo. If you look carefully, despair can actually be seen in these animals' eye. We do not think that animals have facial expression, but I have seen boredom, desparation, anger, and sadness so clearly shown. It makes me wonder, when we rally and lament for exploitation of human rights, no doubt many still need our support and aid, but at least human can speak up for themselves, who would speak up for the animals? And even if there are people who put their hearts and souls in this, are they loud enough? After all, animals do not have a right to vote, and they do not have any monetary contribution to give. Logging, plantations, mining, agriculture, development, etc will never stop as human population and economy continue to grow. However, what will happen when all forest are fell and all wild animals are extinct? Would human be able to exist alone, well perhaps with a few cats and dogs, also cockroaches (they have out live the dinosaurs, most likely they would outlive humans too).

Wild and Zoo Animal Veterinary Medicine: It's difficult, but not impossible

2010-07-27T17:55:00.007+08:00

Though in both cases of wild and domestic, veterinarians are dealing with animals, and the obvious difference is that one will definitely bite, scratch, butt, gore, swipe, etc. while the other are tame and easy to handle, yet this is not true in all cases. At times, hand rise wild animals can be so tame, that they are more adorable than a grouchy snarling domestic. And some guard dogs are not one to play a fool with, they could easily rip our throat out if we traspass onto theit territory.

From veterinary medicine point of view, I have always treated all animals with the same medical principles I have learned in vet school. Myself and my fellow classmates did not have the privlege of being trained in wild and zoo animal medicine. Thus, I have to do the next best thing, treating all sorts of wild species into 6 main groups: bovine, caprine, equine, feline, canine and avian, as a basis of my approach when I first started in this field. And honestly, I still use that approach from time to time whenever I come across any new speciess, on top of experiences and knowledges accumulated throughout the years.

The most distraught matter face by most if not all wildlife and zoo veterinarians, are actually not about how to treat these animals, but the extremely low percentages (perhaps less than 10%) of successfully treated and recovered cases face. Livestock veterinarians may have the option of culling an unproductive or ill animal, to halt unnecessary cost and most importantly, to prevent the spread of disease. Veterinarians in the small animal clinics may get patients that has just begin to get sick, this of course due to owners' own dilligence, thus enhancing the chances of successful treatment. Wild and zoo animals, may be tame or able to tolerate close human contact or presence, they still possess the wild instinct to appear healthy and in good form, in order to avoid predation and being outcast from its group. Thus, unless the caretaker are very observant and know their animals well, most of the time, animal are usually terminal when admitted or noticed to be ill. At this point of time, treatment is usually a futile effort. Also, culling of wild animals is usually not an option. Be it a precious endangered species, be it an expensive acquisition, be it a gift from the royal families or dignitaries, or culling would bring about violent outcry from the public. Therefore, the phrase: "Prevention is better than Cure" is upmost important, in cases where possible, to be practice in the care of captive wild animals.

Prevention in terms of providing proper and balance diet, with ample supplements as we would never be able to provide all nutrients that the animal would able to obtain if it is roaming free in lush wilderness. Healthy animals is less likely to succumb to diseases, as we humans are. Take extra care in times of mating and calving seasons. Not only of traumatic injuries that may arise due to competitions between the animals, also the physiological stress animal is in due to changes of body condition, such as prgnancies, parturition, and lactation. Vaccination should be given if possible, without causing extreme stress to the animals. Also, we must always weigh the efficacies of vaccine used, and whether it may mutate in wild animals thus causing disease, instead of providing protection. In all cases, use dead vaccine, instead of live attenuated vaccine to avoid this problem from arising. Quarantine, medical examination and laboratory testing of newly acquired animals are most crucial, to prevent the entry of unknown, foreign and possible highly pathogenic and lethal agent of disease into our establishments. We should always remember, entry of pathogens is extremely easy, eradication of it on the other hand may be impossible.

For many veterinarians, wild and zoo animal medicine is both exciting and terrifying at the same time. However, they are actually not that different. With some logical and creative thinking (out of the box, but not out of the world), loads of determinations, lots of heart, and never give up hope, veterinarians would be able to tackle wildlife cases. Of course, be careful in the handling of wild animals, most would required to be anaesthetised before even the simplest physical examination could be carried out. Anaesthesia of wild animals, however, is another chapter all together. Doses and individual variations within the species are astounding.

Up coming: Reptile Workshop in Melaka Zoo

2010-07-21T16:34:00.008+08:00

We are planning to organise a workshop on Reptile Medicine for veterinarians at Melaka Zoo sometime in November 2010. This is the second workshop for veterinarians in Malaysia, since the one we had in June 2006, 1st SEAZA Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarian Training Course. Participants came from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. The 1st training course was a general introduction to wild and zoo animal medicine. We covered all groups of animals, including hoofstocks, carnivores (feline, canine, bears, civets), primates, birds, and reptiles in just 5 days. It was quite an exhausting experience, but a great one as well. In fact, I was so busy organising and keeping everything running like clockwork, I was sick before and all the way through the course. By the end of the course, I have disseminated much of my germs to most of the trainers, and perhaps some of the participants as well. Thousand apologies :-p.

This time around, we will only concentrate on diseases, medicine, and diagnostic methods (haematology, serum biochemistry, radiography, ultrasonography, and endoscopy) in reptiles. The great news is that Taipei Zoo, Taiwan ROC will fully sponsor this course.Therefore, the workshop is FOC! We hope to be able to open this workshop to veterinarians working in wild and zoo animal medicine within the Asian region. However due to the intensive nature of the workshop, we would only be able to accomodate 30 participants in total. Among the instructors are Dr Jason Chin, Deputy Director, Taipei Zoo; Dr Jane Yu, Chief Veterinarian of Animal Medical Centre, Taipei Zoo; and Dr Sera, Senior Veterinarian, Head of Reptile Section, Animal Medical Centre, Taipei Zoo. Also, one of the leading person on Reptile Medicine in Asian region, Dr Paolo Martelli, Head Veterinarian of Ocean Park Hong Kong, will also come in as one of the instructors, to share his immense experiences and knowledge.

We will be having the first meeting to discuss on this matter on 2nd August, it seems quite promising that this workshop will go through. We would expect much fun and loads of knowledge sharing during this 2-day workshop. Indeed, something to look forward to :-).

"3-horned" giraffe

2010-07-19T18:44:00.002+08:00

When we were in the process of transfering a pair of subadult giraffes from Melaka Zoo to Taiping Zoo, I happen to notice this peculiar look on this particular male. It sort of have a horn-like structure on its forehead. Perhaps I was not paying attention all these while. Apparently his sire has this horn-like structure too. Come in quite handy when he goes into a butting battle, "ouch" to the opponent!

However, not all giraffes have this "extra" horn, obviously his partner has a smooth curvy forehead. Both of them looked so adorable in the picture. Not so in real life, just too big to be cute and cuddly. Plus, the stress of putting them in the crate, seeing the crates being lifted up by the crane 20 feet of the ground, fearing that the cable may snap under pressure and crate and giraffe crashing down....Well, none of that happen, both were successfully and safely translocated.

Animals were transfer during the night as this would eliminate the risk of animals being exposed to extreme heat en route to their new home. This especially critical for hoofed animals, they are much more easily stressed and succumb to hyperthermia (heat stress). Even if the vehicle has a covered roof, there is always a risk of vehicle being stuck in traffic, and high environmental temperature could not be dissipated as when vehicle is not moving, air remains stagnant and heat tends to build up rather quickly. Especially, if the animals is placed within a completely covered transport, with just a few aeration holes at the side. Animals have to be transported in an enclosed crate as most animals will remain calm when their vision of the "outside world" is impaired. In which case, preventing violent struggle by the animals to escape from the crate, causing possible fatal injuries. Thus, animal translocation programmes are always planned carefully, so as translocation happens either at night or early morning, whether it is the beginning, middle or the end of the journey.

Malayan Tapir Twin Birth

2010-07-19T18:17:00.004+08:00

History was made when Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) twins were born in Wildlife Conservation Centre, Sungai Dusun, Selangor, Malaysia. This is the first ever reported twin birth of this species worldwide. And the most amazing thing was, they were born 13 days apart!

The female, the big sister, was born on 27 May 2007, named May, obviously. While her brother was born on 8 Jun 2007, named Junior.

Junior still retain his spot and stripes, whereas May's coat had changed to that of an adult tapir. This is not just because Junior is younger by 13 days, he was relatively less healthy than May since birth, until he was about 4 months old.

Here's May catching a nap. You can still see her stripes and spots vaguely here.

Junior is trying to get a taste of grass. Curious little thing. However, tapirs are generally browsers that feed mainly on leaves, and not grazers that eat grass like cattle.

They were still so attached with each other when they were 1 year old. Both are resting with their dam in the night stall, to escape from the heat of noon.

The beginning of a new chapter

2010-07-19T16:23:00.004+08:00

Over 8 years of service in wild and zoo animal medicine and management, more than 15 years, if counting the years I started to volunteer at Zoos and Conservation Centre. Loads of experience and knowledge accumulated, hopefully I have manage to disseminate some as well, to the benefit of people and animals in this field.

My favourite have always been the cats: big and small, striped, spotted or not. Never would I imagine that I would one day be handling snakes, and be good enough to teach others on how to handle snakes. Was unable to even look at pictures of snakes, afraid that it would came alive and drop out of the pages. Also, couldn't bring myself even to touch snake's moulted skin, thinking that if I touch it, it would magically turn into a snake again. Such imagination.

I remembered the first time holding a snake, bared hand (!!) at Taiping Zoo. Was already feeling so 'yucky', but can't show that I'm actually terrified and horrified. (Didn't want to be the vet that can't handle snake, sure it is a she) Then I heard a crack, I thought the snake broke its vertebrae (back bone) as it was struggling and twisting, and I was holding very tightly. Alas, I let go. Luckily it did get to bite my assistant, or else he would scarred for life, physically, whereas I would scarred for life too, emotionally. Never really found out what made that crack sound, did somebody broke his/her seams, not mine...hmmm???

Anyway, if you just can't stand physically touching a snake, use tools to remove the snake instead. Here, I'm using a snake hook. You could use anything, broom stick, dust pan, bins, as long as it does not cause injuries to the snake. Or, like I used to do (before working in the zoo): shut myself in my room, make sure all holes are sealed and snake can't get in, and go to sleep. Snakes would leave by next morning. They are naturally not human-friendly and are just passing by.