EK Magazine November 2020

It's exciting to see this first edition in print after more than a year of planning and research behind us ? that is, if you ignore the seven years we spent saying, "wouldn?t it be great to launch an exotics magazine!" Now, here it is, and it?s better than we ever imagined it could be.

This first edition explores some of the most iconic, unusual, and attractive pet species on the planet and we speak to the zoologists and specialists who work with them.

The ploughshare tortoise is almost extinct in the wild. We meet Mauritius-based conservationist Owen Griffi this to find out why, and we learn about his ploughshare breeding project on a tiny island in the Indian Ocean where he?s working to save the species.

Also in this jam-packed first edition, we speak to renowned exotics specialist Jim Collins as he talks us through the joys of keeping armadillos. Don?t read this article unless you?re ready to get one ? you have been warned!

Plus we take a look at the electric blue day gecko with Dr Martin Singheiser and ask whether a secret population of these animals exists in their native Tanzania.

The motivation for creating Exotics Keeper Magazine was a determination to help, care for and protect exotic animals, with a charity component being part of the plan - eventually. Then, in April 2020, the crisis caused by the Covid-19 lockdown pushed the charity plans into fast-forward. Here's what happened next.

Despite the lockdown being lifted, zoos and exotic animal sanctuaries have been hit hard during the Coronavirus crisis. Following a period where zoos had no visitors, no fundraising events and nowhere near enough donations, many are still struggling to feed their animals. EK Fund has donated over ?3,000 to zoos, rehoming centres and wildlife parks over the last few months as part of the first funding project.

Over the coming months and years the EK Fund be selecting eligible and worthwhile charities, organisations and projects to donate to, keeping you up to date with campaigns and donations via their website and the Exotics Keeper Magazine.