Mark Sturtevant wrote:
Yeah, I remember those days. It was fun, but not good for the critters. I feel especially sorry for the baby Caimans. Never did see dyed bunnies or chicks, and am glad I missed it.
But they were not caimans. They were American Aligators. Back before they were common and almost no laws protecting them.
Up to about mid 60's. The first to go were turtles when the relationship between the turtles carrying salmonella and the increase in the disease was understood. Nowadays caimens have replaced the gaters as 'pets'. My caimens were 30 and 48 inches long and would hurt you. I was VERY careful. I have had many 'unusual pets' for most of my life.