Beginning Cold Blooded Creatures

  In 1977 my son and I kept our first Boa Constrictor together. At this time, I had a close friend who was a science teacher at our local school. He was interested in my knowledge of snakes and invited me to his fifth grade science class to speak about the Boa and snakes in general.  I wasn't sure that fifth graders would be so interested in snakes and reptiles.  But I was mistaken. My talk was so well received, by that first class, several teachers who saw me in that classroom, came forward and wanted to know when I could visit their classes! So my talks became a regular event at that first school in Orland Park. The kids really wanted a hands on experience,  and asked a million questions, they couldn't get enough information.
 Realizing there was such a void in this kind of information and hands on displays, a career was born.  They say if you are working at what you love, it's not really work.
My overall love and interest for these specific animals and this classroom experience, energized me to start Cold Blooded Creatures.
There was a gentlemen back in 1967 who had started an animal program visiting schools, but he incorporated many different types of animals, not just reptiles.  His name was Dr.Robert James, a true pioneer, owner of Animal Encounters.
So as a matter of courtesy to him, I decided to focus on reptiles only, which was my main interest and expertise.  I was able to use the knowledge I had gained as a behaviorist, to select through observation, a team of kid friendly reptiles.  I put together a program which worked into the science departments curriculum at each and every school I visited.  Soon, these schools also became annual programs for Cold Blooded Creatures.
That was the true start of CBC.  It is a thrill for me to teach people about these amazing creatures.  It is also a kick to work with students who are so fearful, but by the time we were finished with our program, they were confident in handling the animals, feeling comfortable and overcoming fears.  Having confidence in what you know and like transcends into other parts of your life.
These are both more recent photos of a local Elementary school in New Lenox, Illinois.

Welcome to the Cold Blood Creature's Blog!

Welcome to Cold Blooded Creatures’ first blog.  I am Jim Nesci, owner of CBC.  For many years I’ve enjoyed educating people about the world of reptiles.  I have been invited to speak at numerous schools, scouting groups, libraries, museums, festivals and many other venues to relay what I have learned about these misunderstood creatures. My hope for this blog is to share what’s currently happening with my animals, keep you up to date on where you can see us next, and to also share some of my adventures and stories from the past.

People are always asking me for more information and how I came to this interest.  I have so many stories and experiences to share. I’ll start with how my interest came about.  As a young boy very interested in dinosaurs, I began making clay models of the different ones.  From there, my interest grew from reading, but mostly through my own exploring and hands on experiences with animals.

My parents were supportive of my growing interest, which allowed me to pursue some valuable adventures.  We lived on the Southwest side of Chicago near prairie fields.  I used those fields as my classroom.  I would regularly catch large numbers of snakes there and bring them home to relocate on my front lawn, which our neighbors didn’t like too much!  I would also catch sick animals from time to time, take care of them and then release them.  Some of them were possums and birds, including one Joe the Crow, who when released, actually knew a few words!  I would go to the local cemetery once in a while to catch ground squirrels.  I would pour a bucket of water into their hole and wait for the squirrel to run up into my waiting jar.  I also brought them home, wanting them to stay in our backyard, but they never did.

As a young teen I became interested in crocodilians, and I purchased two Caiman, and built a habitat for them in our basement, including a water pool.  I learned quickly Caiman have touchy personalities, but I was fascinated.  This experience really ignited my interest in crocs.

Around 1978, I kept my first large Burmese python named Krishna.  He was large enough for 5 or 6 of our Orland Park neighborhood kids to ride on.  Burms are usually gentle snakes, as Krishna was.

Owning and caring for each and every animal I have had, has provided valuable hands on experience.  There is a major gap in knowledge regarding these animals, especially reptiles/crocodilians.  Private hobbyists like myself have learned valuable information that can be shared throughout the animal community.  All animals have value to humans.