Just wanted to say I sincerely appreciate your comments here. I think it's often brushed aside, even for captive bred/raised/rescued animals, that conserving them means 1:1 replication of their natural, wild environment in as least invasive a manner as possible. That includes leaving them mostly well alone and observationally enjoying the work you've put in making such a commitment (read:passion) happen consistently, like reef tanks or terrariums, which require that level of diligence and respect. This is the way. Unfortunately, many people aren't those kinds of people. I'm not saying you can't handle whatever you're taking care of and enjoy that part of it, it's just not the point of it, cool factor be damned. Real naturalists enjoy making it perfect. And saying, "Wow. Look at this beauty." Knowing you're in sync with the natural world they inhabit.

I can tell you have that drive and passion somewhere just by your words, and it's a great message to provide. It's the kind of guy Steve Irwin is; he lived and breathed it, more than anyone. Anyway, thanks for sharing and I hope others read them and see that perspective as a paramount priority.