you could tape a square on the floor in front of her enclosure the size of her old box, people could stand inside and see how small it was and compare it to her current size.
I'm impressed by Emily's diplomacy convincing Rex's original owner to find a way to improve her living conditions. You can see why she's such a good educator.
They’ve always said that he really loved her, it was probably a pretty easy decision for him to decide that he wanted better for her and that would more than likely be without him when Emily kept telling him that he could and should do better, probably figured they could do a better job than he could and was since they already seemed to know more than he did
I’d love to hear more details on how she approached explaining it to him. I have experience (unfortunately) dealing with bad owners who neglect their pets because they don’t care. But when they love them and are just uneducated or ignorant, I don’t know how to approach it. It’d be interesting to hear.
Yeah... I would have been on the phone with animal control the day I found out about her, getting her tf out of there immediately. Eff diplomacy, I'm not Minnesota nice.
@@selanryn5849 It’s possible that might not have been in Rex’s best interests, depending. Some animal controls don’t have the capacity to handle a reptile like Rex, even at her much smaller size, and it’s possible it would have been a death sentence. And I can’t remember if they’ve ever said if they needed a permit to own her, but if they do and her former owner didn’t have one, reporting about Rex could have impacted not only her relationship with the former owner, but all of his other animals.
My uncle’s farm pond (massive, as a kid I thought it was a lake) had a friendly alligator. No one is quite sure who tamed her, but most of the year she was super friendly and would lay on the boat dock (no motor boats allowed in the pond, might hurt the alligator) and accept pets from humans. Except for when she had a nest. Then no one was allowed near wherever she chose to lay them. Even when she laid them in a spot that required my uncle to go AROUND the pond to get from his fields to his house… She might still be out there. I haven’t talked to him in decades.
Hiding in the gift shop near clothing merch fits with a toddler too. 😂 Over 20 years later, my mom still complains about how I taught my little sisters to hide in clothing racks… 😂😅
@@kellybraun7048 OMGGG my sibling and I recently apologised to our mom for that behaviour because we were out shopping with my VERY POORLY BEHAVED (that day- not in general and I am still salty about it) nephew the other day and he kept doing that. It's usually fine, he'll do it once or twice but THAT DAY man.... He was just FERAL😂😩
A lot of YT'ers get exotic animals for the wrong reasons. The fact that you rescued Rex from a bad situation, and did so even before you started YT, is proof that you do it for the right reasons. Hope she had a happy birthday, and many more! She's lucky to have found such a good home.
Rex was the highlight of my visit on May 17th (minus staff bringing out a lavender hognose for me to pet, of which they deserve the world for giving me that experience). She kept trying to climb the branch-log-thing in her pool and failing and it was adorable. She seemed so happy!
I am genuinely impressed that, at the very start of your marriage, you both threw up your hands and said EF it, we’re getting a Rex. Just knowing what I do about how marriages change over time (having just celebrated our ten year anniversary, and 12 years together in November), that was a huge thing to bring into your relationship. Kudos to you both.
I can't even imagine tbh. "Hey babe, you know about that alligator that guy showed me? What if the second reptile we get together is an alligator? In our new house" 😨😂 They really do show so many marriage green flags, it's just delightful to see. And ik I say that after joking about getting a pet alligator, but they genuinely model behavior I hope to in future relationships.
@@StonedtotheBones13 I genuinely enjoy it when we see glimpses of their actual relationship. There are also times I do a hard forehead smack because in their efforts to keep the channel PG/PG-13, they can stray into red flag-y territory for me… I think it can be very hard to avoid what I would consider negative (largely gendered) relationship tropes when you’re also trying to play in those PG waters.
My heart hurts when you describe Rex’s 27 years of deprivation. Currently there’s an alligator loose in one of the Great Lakes, obviously a dumped pet. I hope a rehab facility will catch it before the weather turns cold. I could list instances where a dumped animal did not survive. Because of this channel, I know that alligators like to have their head scratched, love to play, and smile after eating something they especially like. You and Rex are changing the world by teaching us to love these animals.
Never thought I'd be here crying over an alligator who's almost a decade older than me but here we are. She's so small in the pics- like the size of a normal yearling gator maybe 😢 And now Emily can't even fit one hand around her neck 🥲
When I was younger I was under the impression reptiles and amphibians don’t have emotions like mammals and birds but later I found out they are indeed full of emotions I saw a guy who had a iguana and he literally played fetch with it and treated it like a dog it was adorable
Apparently gators are at least as smart as dogs, so it makes sense that she knows her name and is so tolerant of you two; she must know you've helped her.
That, I didn't know. I guess I always thought crocodilians were kinda dumb because they're slower on land, but it makes more sense that they're relatively smart animals. Have to be to plan out angles of attack on their prey from the water!
@ThePhantomSafetyPin I mean they also engage in play behavior, and crocodilian maternal care is intensive enough to require some degree of brain power. Their closest living relatives are birds, so I don't think we can count out their capacity for more complex emotions like affection either. Oh, also, many crocodilians are actually not slow on land. Many modern members of the clade have the capacity to switch to a "high walking" gait, comparable to those seen in tortoises or mammals. Unlike humans, they're not built for land endurance, but your average gator can still hit an impressive sprint speed of 20 mph or 32 km/h, with top recorded sprint speeds reaching 30 mph or 48 km/h. I think Nile Crocodiles can go faster, but I don't actually recall.
One amazing thing I've learned from Rex in how resilient animals are, especially reptiles. I remember the early Rex videos where she was able to go under water for longer and longer periods. And then the MANY fixes y'all had to make to that room! lol Cheers, Rex! I'm sorry your beginning wasn't as bright as it should have been, but it's been a pleasure to see you heal and grow.
Regarding the resilience of crocodiles and alligators - Clint's Reptiles once did a vid scoring each of the 7 main groups of reptiles and how well they 'keep' as pets. These guys ranked last or second-to in every category except "Will you accidentally kill this pet?", which they scored highest marks on, with a flat 'No." from Clint.
Y'know at first I thought the tape idea would be more practical, but I do wonder if there's a way to turn it into an interactive exhibit or smthn in an engaging but respectful way
@@MEKCreationssee the photo ops thing is kinda why I'm wondering if it could be respectful. Bc I feel like if you put kids in there and were like "ok, now pretend to be Rex on her 27 years of living there!" Kids would either cry or just be v confused lol.
12:13 😂😅 the irony of Emily saying they dont cuddle with Rex as she has Rex relaxing in her lap is kinda funny. Only because they have the knowledge and respect for each other is that even possible. 😅
Hearing Rex’s story melts my heart every time you tell it. Question: does her original owner know of her current condition, that she improved so much and is now a bit of a celebrity?
Whoa, I did not realize it's been so long! I've been watching you guys ever since the Rex room in your house and when you still thought she was a boy! Those were the days. It's incredible watching you grow from taking care of all these reptiles in your own home just the two of you, to finally moving into a facility and becoming a full-fledged zoo and wildlife conservation center with employees to help you out. I'm so proud and thrilled to have seen your progress for so long!
I love that even though Rex has been able to embrace her wild side now that she has a mostly hands off enclosure, she still knows and trusts you both and allows you to handle her. ^-^ Happy Birthday snappy ol' lady!
what I'm getting from the mini renovation is that kids and rex are equally destructive 😂 parents everywhere are going to be feeling validated watching this
I cannot believe that she was 27 years old at that size. So sad but im so glad you guys took such good care of her. I’ve been a constant viewer ever since rex was living in that spare room next to a turtle lol.
Rex is the goodest girl. I remember when you found she was a she and not a he and switching to buying her pink pools instead of blue. She has come so far and I am so thankful that you took her in and got her healthy. She probably wouldn’t have made it this long without you. ❤
OMG more details on Rex's origin story! Thanks for reminding people again and again that animals can't be kept as pets if people don't or can't afford the right husbandry! It is also insightful (maybe sobering for some) to show us just how much work goes into caring for Rex. This has been a very good video for people to understand and respect animals, instead of seeing them as property or toys to play with and ignore at will.
Love how Ed and Em just let Rex wander off on her own little adventure while they work. Can't imagine many other alligators get to just meander about in that sort of environment.
Only Emily and Edd could take a malnourished/improperly cared for gator and make her a scaled puppy dog... Love how much Rex has been showered with love even with the videos of her in the basement room in the old house.
Rex looks so much bigger in her enclosure and then you hold her in your lap and she looks so little and cute and it's so sad that she's so little because of the way she was kept and lived for so long. Like she's so stunted that her painting on the wall is actually life-size. I'm so happy that you guys have given her such a good life
Rex and Emily and Ed, you all helped save my life in college and helped me feel like life wasn’t over and I could still have the ability to have love and compassion. Happy birthday Rex and thank you SD❤
I am sorry you had such negative experiences. I hope things are better now. I also got so much from Snakediscovery esp related to snakes. I am so happy that my reaction to our local garter snakes went from 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱 to 😍😍😍😆😍😍😆😍😍🥰🥰🥰😂😂
It's so bizarre to think Rex is older than most of us viewers! Happity happy birthday Rex! And thank you so much Emily and Ed for giving her a new life!
As a toddler my son was obsessed with watching the video you made about taking care of Rex (back when you still thought she was a boy!) He would laugh so hard when you’d be brushing her in the bath with the toothbrush and brushing her teeth, he absolutely loved it. I can almost recite the entire video. 😅 He’s now 9 and we just got a crested gecko as a family last week, our first reptile! Thank you Rex (and Ed and Emily) for unlocking that part of us that loves reptiles! Happy 37th birthday!! 🎉
Rex was the reason I started watching this channel. One of your videos about her popped up in my recommended years ago. I clicked on it expecting to be irritated at someone irresponsible enough to be keeping an alligator as a pet. Instead I was pleasantly surprised that the entire video emphasized how it was not a good idea to get an alligator for a pet and how much work it was. I knew right away from that that you guys were a good channel that was serious about taking care of your animals well and doing education. I've been watching ever since. ^^ I just looked back and that video was from 5 years ago! I can't believe it's been that long.
Hello! Casey here!! So glad you got the frisbee, was starting to worry it got lost when I hadn't seen it in an opening, but I might have missed it. A little bummed it didn't work out for Rex, but I hope to see who you end up using it for!!!
I've been watching this channel since 2018 and it's insane to see how much rex has grown. The difference in her entire body is very real. The man she was with may have loved her, but you guys saved her. Happy birthday Rex!
This is a little thing but I really like that Ed and Emily are doing this. Like they probably could hire someone or whatever but they are doing it themselves. These animals are theirs, not just exhibits or something for profit. I love that they are still doing "dirty" work.
Rex almost looks similar to a Caimen due to her condition, but she still has the unmistakable alligator head. You guys did such a good job giving her the care she needed and giving her a home where she can live a long happy life.
She really does look similar to dwarf caiman. And I believe cuvier's tend to keep the stripes too. Not sure about dwarf crocodiles or smooth fronted caiman tho. But I've been wondering if it's just a small crocodilian thing
I'm so very glad she ended up with you guys! I'm sure her original owner is thrilled for her, as well. She's quite the personality! Thanks for all you do.
didn't we find out she wasn't actually popping them, but deathrolling and splashing all the water out? When they put the security camera in? it's all hilarious though, she is a mischief maker of the highest order
@@Lyeah73 I remember them replacing multiple times (and swapping with the pink), but I think they *thought* there were holes because water was constantly all over the floor... then they trialled a camera and found that she was deathrolling in the big tub and that was what was spilling the water She may have also holed a few
I love how confident Ed has become over the years of Snake Discovery. He's gone from hiding away behind the camera to constantly being in videos. I know this video is mainly about Rex, but I just wanted to shout Ed out
Idk much abt reptiles so take this with a grain of salt, but I feel like Rex has almost outgrown her pool at this point! She's grown so much... Happy Birthday, best girl. 🎉 ❤
Y'know... I've thought similar. Idk if we just don't have that in person perspective, but research has shown alligators grow all their lives (tho it greatly slows after maturity), and I've wondered. Edit to add that the pool is at least big enough to accommodate 2 6 ft humans, and that the pic of her on their laps she did look MUCH smaller.
Girl! You should totally use Rex's teefers in jewelry! Like shark teeth or like preserve them in resin. I think they'd be a great seller in the store!!
HAPPY 37TH B-DAY REX!❤❤❤ (You are the best reptile zookeepers ever, I wish I could go visit you but I live very far away😢. I will send you gifts for a fan mail video.)
I check in with this channel every few months I don’t want you as much as I used to. I was little, but I remember Rex was my favorite along with nearly headless Nick bless his little snake heart, but I can’t believe she got old now it’s crazy how time flies by
i was so happy to see this pop up in my notifications. i missed your guys' sit down videos with rexy, and i remember all too well the horrific storytimes you had with her. lots of love to you guys for giving her the best home she could wish for. happy 10th year with the snake discovery family, rex!!
I loved seeing Rex's story, especially the old pictures. And the Rex-cam was a joy! I assume the tortoises were put away while she was out roaming 😆I had to pause the video immediately to go order that new shirt too 💜 She surely has come a long way! When I visited last month, I spent most of my time with Rex. She's so gregarious. And it was so sweet to see her come to Emily when she spoke through the little gap in the window. And when the back door opened, Rex flung herself at it so fast! That was impressive and a little startling.
Around 5 years ago I was terrified of reptiles - snakes especially - but stumbled across a video of you taking Rex to the pet shop to buy toys. Think I saw it on a random Facebook page. Anyway it led me to finding your channel and after watching for a while, deciding that maybe snakes weren't so scary after all - maybe they were even... cute?? Fast forward a few years and I have 3 plains hoggies (including a superconda - my dream snake), a ball python, a cornie and a crested gecko. And all because of Rex and the pet shop! Happy Gotcha Anniversary to you and Rex - lets hope she inspires many more people to learn about reptiles and realise they're friends, not foes!
I love Rex!!! 💚 🖤 💚 🖤 💚 Happy birthday beautiful girl!!! It still hurts my heart every time I hear her story even though I've heard it many times... I'm so happy she has you guys now!!! On another topic, I love longer videos like this!!! 💚 🖤
I love this so much. Esp hearing more detail on Rex's origin. She really does look SO tiny in the first pics of her. And man... A litter box taking up part of a 4 ft enclosure... No wonder she didn't grow much 😢 I've said before, but I knew I found my ppl when I heard y'all burned her old enclosure. A new beginning, and tbh a good redirect for any anger... I still feel so sad looking at the marks on the corners from her snoot 😭 The series of mistakes leading to her situation is hard to comprehend, but I'm glad y'all got her out of there. She truly has lived her best life for the past 10 years with you. Even if she communicates displeasure at not sleeping in her room overnight by leaving a poo 😂 Which does kinda show she loves her zoo room 😊 I'm glad she still likes her scratches 😊 Happy Birthday Rexxie! 🎉🐟🎂🐊 (Ps I have heard of an alligator named Saw at Everglades outpost with a similar look and story to Rex; but idk if she's still living there.)
Snake Discovery has had such a positive impact on the entire reptile community. Seeing Rex’s transformation into a healthier happier girl is incredible. Thanks for sharing her story! Wishing you ten more years!
WOO! Old lady!! I remember back when she had her own pool at your place and oh my goodness she’s amazing 💪 appreciating the fact y’all love and care for her so so much
So amazing to see how far shes come. I started watching you guys in 2019 and have seen all your videos, she has grown and changed infront of our eyes. So beautiful to see
HAPPY 37th BIRTHDAY REXY 🐊 WE ALL LOVE YOU IMMENSELY!!! YOU ARE WHO BROUGHT ME INTO SNAKE DISCOVERY AND IVE BEEN HERE EVERY SINCE!!! I WISH YOU LOTS OF SNACKIES AND HEAD SCRITCHES!!! 🐠 🍗 🎂 🎈 🎉 🎊
Happy birthday Rexy. I remember you flooding the guess room and destroying the pump and going to pet store. Emmy is like dory. 😊alway distracted. A Rex tooth necklace like a shark tooth would be cool
I have been watching you guys for a while now, and just the change in rex in the past 4 years is huge, seeing even older pictures of her is crazy the better life you guys have given this (and many other) amazing animal.
happy hippy birthday Rex! I remember the first thumbnail that attracted me to your channel was when Rex was doing the death roll with her toy I guess in your basement..I've been hooked ever since! Thank you fir the entertainment! God bless you fir looking after these beautiful beasts!
They really do! My cat was the only tabby amongst a bunch of Siamese sisters, so he definitely was a last-minute addition by a different father. We had to wait for him to get big enough to take him home, but got to meet him at his foster family's house in advance, and as soon as they put the food down, he spent ages just eating and eating, long after his sisters were off playing. We should have known he'd always be a big eater! He had a huge appetite, up until the end, when he got a less common expression of hyperthyroidism and stopped eating. It would have been his birthday on the 5th. I miss the "little" guy so much.
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen one of snake discovery’s videos, but I used to watch every one. I remember watching the video explaining Rex’s story for the first time and seeing the clip of brushing her teeth, I can’t believe it’s been 10 years already and that she’s 37. It’s sad to think that she may not have a lot of time left with us. But hopefully she will last another 10 or more years and reach 50, especially because Ed and Emily give such good care to her. Love you guys ❤
Happy Anniversary to Rex and Emily and Ed ❤ Y’all are such wonderful souls for doing what you do to help these beautiful creatures! It warms my heart. Xoxo
Happy for Rex! Sadly so many don't find their deserved forever home. Here in Michigan, there are at least two Alligators on the loose, almost certainly released. If they are not captured in the next month or so, they are almost certainly doomed, so hopefully they will be caught. One is in a river, the other Lake Erie, so in both cases it will be very difficult to find and capture them.
Emily definitely doesnt seem to mind but she could probably wear galoshes when she has to clean rex's pool like that. Or if she doesnt mind getting wet sandals to protect from anything on the floor of the pool.
Thank goodness for people like you 🖤 I've been watching you since the "What it's like to have a pet alligator" video & this was quite emotional to watch... Her story is indeed very sad... Sickening that humans treat animals so poorly but I'm so so thankful for people like yourselves who dedicate your lives to putting that right 🖤🖤🖤
I love Rex so much ♡ it's been nice to see how much she's grown since you two adopted her. I love your snakes and reptiles, but Rex has such a fun personality to see. While it's sad where she began, it's amazing to see where she ended up.
you could tape a square on the floor in front of her enclosure the size of her old box, people could stand inside and see how small it was and compare it to her current size.
That’s a great idea!
Have to bump this! Snake discovery! Please do this!!
It's so smart guys! I would wanna see that. It would be super educational
Ooh this is a great idea!
I would love to see how cool that would be!
I'm impressed by Emily's diplomacy convincing Rex's original owner to find a way to improve her living conditions. You can see why she's such a good educator.
They’ve always said that he really loved her, it was probably a pretty easy decision for him to decide that he wanted better for her and that would more than likely be without him when Emily kept telling him that he could and should do better, probably figured they could do a better job than he could and was since they already seemed to know more than he did
I’d love to hear more details on how she approached explaining it to him. I have experience (unfortunately) dealing with bad owners who neglect their pets because they don’t care. But when they love them and are just uneducated or ignorant, I don’t know how to approach it. It’d be interesting to hear.
Yeah... I would have been on the phone with animal control the day I found out about her, getting her tf out of there immediately. Eff diplomacy, I'm not Minnesota nice.
Same! I love that she isn't hostile or shaming, she just worked in Rex's best interests.
@@selanryn5849 It’s possible that might not have been in Rex’s best interests, depending. Some animal controls don’t have the capacity to handle a reptile like Rex, even at her much smaller size, and it’s possible it would have been a death sentence. And I can’t remember if they’ve ever said if they needed a permit to own her, but if they do and her former owner didn’t have one, reporting about Rex could have impacted not only her relationship with the former owner, but all of his other animals.
Ed: "You do not want a pet alligator. They are terrorists"
Video: showing the cutest picture of Rex with a rubbery ducky on her nose
Yeah, a full grown alligator twice or thrice the size of Rex would be unruly
My uncle’s farm pond (massive, as a kid I thought it was a lake) had a friendly alligator. No one is quite sure who tamed her, but most of the year she was super friendly and would lay on the boat dock (no motor boats allowed in the pond, might hurt the alligator) and accept pets from humans.
Except for when she had a nest. Then no one was allowed near wherever she chose to lay them. Even when she laid them in a spot that required my uncle to go AROUND the pond to get from his fields to his house…
She might still be out there. I haven’t talked to him in decades.
The "uh oh dad found me" clip is so funny to me for some reason. Ed just standing there EXACTLY like a father inspecting their exploring toddler
Hiding in the gift shop near clothing merch fits with a toddler too. 😂
Over 20 years later, my mom still complains about how I taught my little sisters to hide in clothing racks… 😂😅
I mean she is their baby 😂 her and Cheyenne… they have two very high maintenance forever toddlers 😂 ❤
@@kellybraun7048 OMGGG my sibling and I recently apologised to our mom for that behaviour because we were out shopping with my VERY POORLY BEHAVED (that day- not in general and I am still salty about it) nephew the other day and he kept doing that. It's usually fine, he'll do it once or twice but THAT DAY man.... He was just FERAL😂😩
@@-leezha- A mother’s revenge: May your children be just like you. 😂 My cat has been taking that role rather seriously. 🤣
15:19 for anyone curious
A lot of YT'ers get exotic animals for the wrong reasons. The fact that you rescued Rex from a bad situation, and did so even before you started YT, is proof that you do it for the right reasons. Hope she had a happy birthday, and many more! She's lucky to have found such a good home.
Actually they're Zookeepers not just normal people so yeah Rex is lucky!
@@cactusgamingyt9960 they sure didnt start as such!
@@cactusgamingyt9960tbh, I'm p sure Rex is a reason WHY they made the zoo.
i’ve never seen a more practical yet effective solution as the gator board
Rex was the highlight of my visit on May 17th (minus staff bringing out a lavender hognose for me to pet, of which they deserve the world for giving me that experience). She kept trying to climb the branch-log-thing in her pool and failing and it was adorable. She seemed so happy!
I love how Ed looks like a disappointed dad at 15:21 lol. But who could be disappointed by Rex, she’s so pretty!! Happy birthday Rex!!!!
Lol! Yeah!!
Percy Jackson pfp?
I am genuinely impressed that, at the very start of your marriage, you both threw up your hands and said EF it, we’re getting a Rex. Just knowing what I do about how marriages change over time (having just celebrated our ten year anniversary, and 12 years together in November), that was a huge thing to bring into your relationship. Kudos to you both.
I can't even imagine tbh. "Hey babe, you know about that alligator that guy showed me? What if the second reptile we get together is an alligator? In our new house" 😨😂 They really do show so many marriage green flags, it's just delightful to see. And ik I say that after joking about getting a pet alligator, but they genuinely model behavior I hope to in future relationships.
@@StonedtotheBones13 I genuinely enjoy it when we see glimpses of their actual relationship. There are also times I do a hard forehead smack because in their efforts to keep the channel PG/PG-13, they can stray into red flag-y territory for me… I think it can be very hard to avoid what I would consider negative (largely gendered) relationship tropes when you’re also trying to play in those PG waters.
My heart hurts when you describe Rex’s 27 years of deprivation. Currently there’s an alligator loose in one of the Great Lakes, obviously a dumped pet. I hope a rehab facility will catch it before the weather turns cold. I could list instances where a dumped animal did not survive. Because of this channel, I know that alligators like to have their head scratched, love to play, and smile after eating something they especially like. You and Rex are changing the world by teaching us to love these animals.
It's around Erie, PA last time I've heard of it
Never thought I'd be here crying over an alligator who's almost a decade older than me but here we are. She's so small in the pics- like the size of a normal yearling gator maybe 😢 And now Emily can't even fit one hand around her neck 🥲
When I was younger I was under the impression reptiles and amphibians don’t have emotions like mammals and birds but later I found out they are indeed full of emotions I saw a guy who had a iguana and he literally played fetch with it and treated it like a dog it was adorable
Apparently gators are at least as smart as dogs, so it makes sense that she knows her name and is so tolerant of you two; she must know you've helped her.
That, I didn't know. I guess I always thought crocodilians were kinda dumb because they're slower on land, but it makes more sense that they're relatively smart animals. Have to be to plan out angles of attack on their prey from the water!
@ThePhantomSafetyPin I mean they also engage in play behavior, and crocodilian maternal care is intensive enough to require some degree of brain power. Their closest living relatives are birds, so I don't think we can count out their capacity for more complex emotions like affection either.
Oh, also, many crocodilians are actually not slow on land. Many modern members of the clade have the capacity to switch to a "high walking" gait, comparable to those seen in tortoises or mammals. Unlike humans, they're not built for land endurance, but your average gator can still hit an impressive sprint speed of 20 mph or 32 km/h, with top recorded sprint speeds reaching 30 mph or 48 km/h. I think Nile Crocodiles can go faster, but I don't actually recall.
One amazing thing I've learned from Rex in how resilient animals are, especially reptiles. I remember the early Rex videos where she was able to go under water for longer and longer periods. And then the MANY fixes y'all had to make to that room! lol Cheers, Rex! I'm sorry your beginning wasn't as bright as it should have been, but it's been a pleasure to see you heal and grow.
Rex was always keeping them on their toes! I loved hearing the crazy shenanigans going on as they learned about caring for an alligator.
I remember those days haha I remember when they were talking about taking her to the zoo and actually making the zoo
Regarding the resilience of crocodiles and alligators - Clint's Reptiles once did a vid scoring each of the 7 main groups of reptiles and how well they 'keep' as pets. These guys ranked last or second-to in every category except "Will you accidentally kill this pet?", which they scored highest marks on, with a flat 'No." from Clint.
You should build a replica of Rex's original box to show people and educate them on reptile care.
That would be smart!
Y'know at first I thought the tape idea would be more practical, but I do wonder if there's a way to turn it into an interactive exhibit or smthn in an engaging but respectful way
@@StonedtotheBones13PVC pipes forming the sides of a box for kids to crawl into for a photo opp?
@@MEKCreationssee the photo ops thing is kinda why I'm wondering if it could be respectful. Bc I feel like if you put kids in there and were like "ok, now pretend to be Rex on her 27 years of living there!" Kids would either cry or just be v confused lol.
12:13 😂😅 the irony of Emily saying they dont cuddle with Rex as she has Rex relaxing in her lap is kinda funny. Only because they have the knowledge and respect for each other is that even possible. 😅
Hearing Rex’s story melts my heart every time you tell it. Question: does her original owner know of her current condition, that she improved so much and is now a bit of a celebrity?
Whoa, I did not realize it's been so long! I've been watching you guys ever since the Rex room in your house and when you still thought she was a boy! Those were the days. It's incredible watching you grow from taking care of all these reptiles in your own home just the two of you, to finally moving into a facility and becoming a full-fledged zoo and wildlife conservation center with employees to help you out. I'm so proud and thrilled to have seen your progress for so long!
I love that even though Rex has been able to embrace her wild side now that she has a mostly hands off enclosure, she still knows and trusts you both and allows you to handle her. ^-^
Happy Birthday snappy ol' lady!
Cheyenne and Rex
The OG queens of Snake Discovery
And Brad looking down on em
YEP
Now I'm thinking about someone breaking in and stumbling over a free roaming alligator. 🐊😂
what I'm getting from the mini renovation is that kids and rex are equally destructive 😂 parents everywhere are going to be feeling validated watching this
I cannot believe that she was 27 years old at that size. So sad but im so glad you guys took such good care of her. I’ve been a constant viewer ever since rex was living in that spare room next to a turtle lol.
Rex is the goodest girl. I remember when you found she was a she and not a he and switching to buying her pink pools instead of blue. She has come so far and I am so thankful that you took her in and got her healthy. She probably wouldn’t have made it this long without you. ❤
Fun fact: gators have shown a preference for pink in studies
@@StonedtotheBones13SLAYYYY
OMG more details on Rex's origin story!
Thanks for reminding people again and again that animals can't be kept as pets if people don't or can't afford the right husbandry! It is also insightful (maybe sobering for some) to show us just how much work goes into caring for Rex. This has been a very good video for people to understand and respect animals, instead of seeing them as property or toys to play with and ignore at will.
Love how Ed and Em just let Rex wander off on her own little adventure while they work.
Can't imagine many other alligators get to just meander about in that sort of environment.
I've seen Kamp Kenan do similar with monitors, and highly inadvisable similar actions weed whacking in an alligator enclosure.
Only Emily and Edd could take a malnourished/improperly cared for gator and make her a scaled puppy dog... Love how much Rex has been showered with love even with the videos of her in the basement room in the old house.
Rex looks so much bigger in her enclosure and then you hold her in your lap and she looks so little and cute and it's so sad that she's so little because of the way she was kept and lived for so long. Like she's so stunted that her painting on the wall is actually life-size. I'm so happy that you guys have given her such a good life
Rex and Emily and Ed, you all helped save my life in college and helped me feel like life wasn’t over and I could still have the ability to have love and compassion. Happy birthday Rex and thank you SD❤
❤️
I am sorry you had such negative experiences.
I hope things are better now.
I also got so much from Snakediscovery esp related to snakes.
I am so happy that my reaction to our local garter snakes went from 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱 to 😍😍😍😆😍😍😆😍😍🥰🥰🥰😂😂
It's so bizarre to think Rex is older than most of us viewers! Happity happy birthday Rex! And thank you so much Emily and Ed for giving her a new life!
Not me! She's nowt but a young whippersnapper as far as I'm concerned!
Why do you think the viewers are young? I'm the oldest of 3 generations in our household who watch and I've got 30 years on Rex
“Congratulations on your marriage; here’s your alligator” 😂😂😂
Florida Tradition
@@MEKCreations 🤣🤣🤣🤣👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼that’s awesome
As a toddler my son was obsessed with watching the video you made about taking care of Rex (back when you still thought she was a boy!) He would laugh so hard when you’d be brushing her in the bath with the toothbrush and brushing her teeth, he absolutely loved it. I can almost recite the entire video. 😅 He’s now 9 and we just got a crested gecko as a family last week, our first reptile! Thank you Rex (and Ed and Emily) for unlocking that part of us that loves reptiles! Happy 37th birthday!! 🎉
"Get off my lawn you kids!" Ed... Hahahahahaha, hehehehehe, hilarious!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Lol, the blocking board looks like the arcade game where coins are pushed.....except its Rex!!!! Back into the pool, lol!!!!
😂
Despite her drawbacks, she's still the cutest swamp puppy ever!
Swamp puppy… I LOVE THAT❤
Rex was the reason I started watching this channel. One of your videos about her popped up in my recommended years ago. I clicked on it expecting to be irritated at someone irresponsible enough to be keeping an alligator as a pet. Instead I was pleasantly surprised that the entire video emphasized how it was not a good idea to get an alligator for a pet and how much work it was. I knew right away from that that you guys were a good channel that was serious about taking care of your animals well and doing education. I've been watching ever since. ^^
I just looked back and that video was from 5 years ago! I can't believe it's been that long.
Hello! Casey here!! So glad you got the frisbee, was starting to worry it got lost when I hadn't seen it in an opening, but I might have missed it. A little bummed it didn't work out for Rex, but I hope to see who you end up using it for!!!
I don’t care what anyone else says, that is CLEARLY a dog.
I got kicked out of skool cuz of your guy’s notifications….
Man's best gator.
A swamp puppy
Yeah, that’s definitely a dog!
A little bit scalier than we're used to, but a good pupper nevertheless.
swamp puppy
I've been watching this channel since 2018 and it's insane to see how much rex has grown. The difference in her entire body is very real. The man she was with may have loved her, but you guys saved her.
Happy birthday Rex!
Is Rex 35 or 37? The title says 35 but Emily said 37. Happy 35th or 37th birthday Rex!!
I'm pretty sure the title is wrong, because Rex turned 35 two years ago, with the meat cake lol.
Probably an educated guess since Rex is a rescue who lived in a tiny box for the first 20 years or so
Yeah they got her at 27 and have had her for 10 years
@@Mizze. Yeah it has the exact same title as that one so I think something got confused somewhere. Honestly it might just be YT messing up again XD
I checked the video of rex birthday 2 years ago and it was 35 aswell😅
This is a little thing but I really like that Ed and Emily are doing this. Like they probably could hire someone or whatever but they are doing it themselves. These animals are theirs, not just exhibits or something for profit. I love that they are still doing "dirty" work.
Rex almost looks similar to a Caimen due to her condition, but she still has the unmistakable alligator head.
You guys did such a good job giving her the care she needed and giving her a home where she can live a long happy life.
She really does look similar to dwarf caiman. And I believe cuvier's tend to keep the stripes too. Not sure about dwarf crocodiles or smooth fronted caiman tho. But I've been wondering if it's just a small crocodilian thing
Is it just me or does Rex look adorable in that go pro she’s soooooo stinkin cute also HAPPY BDAY REX!!!! 🥳🥳🥳
Man feels like a flashback to see rexs old room
We love the Shenanigator, Queen Rex. Happy Birthday sweet girlie!
I always love hearing Rex’s story 💜 Even though it’s a sad story it has a happy ending, and her life has been filled with love 💜
Bittersweet story of Rex. Im glad you guys were able to convince him to get Rex overall a better life. The Box burning is badass
I loved the Rex baby pics she really grew so much! The Rex videos were what hooked me into this channel ❤
I'm so very glad she ended up with you guys! I'm sure her original owner is thrilled for her, as well. She's quite the personality! Thanks for all you do.
I love Rex! I remember the gator room in the early days!! Her popping her kiddy pools and trying to attack the filter ❤. We love Rex.
didn't we find out she wasn't actually popping them, but deathrolling and splashing all the water out? When they put the security camera in?
it's all hilarious though, she is a mischief maker of the highest order
@@philippak7726 I think at least one of them had a hole in it because they patched it then replaced it. One was blue and the other was pink.
@@Lyeah73 I remember them replacing multiple times (and swapping with the pink), but I think they *thought* there were holes because water was constantly all over the floor... then they trialled a camera and found that she was deathrolling in the big tub and that was what was spilling the water
She may have also holed a few
I love how confident Ed has become over the years of Snake Discovery. He's gone from hiding away behind the camera to constantly being in videos. I know this video is mainly about Rex, but I just wanted to shout Ed out
Idk much abt reptiles so take this with a grain of salt, but I feel like Rex has almost outgrown her pool at this point! She's grown so much... Happy Birthday, best girl. 🎉 ❤
Y'know... I've thought similar. Idk if we just don't have that in person perspective, but research has shown alligators grow all their lives (tho it greatly slows after maturity), and I've wondered. Edit to add that the pool is at least big enough to accommodate 2 6 ft humans, and that the pic of her on their laps she did look MUCH smaller.
Girl! You should totally use Rex's teefers in jewelry! Like shark teeth or like preserve them in resin. I think they'd be a great seller in the store!!
I would buy them
thats such a good idea!! but it would have to be a limited item since theres not much teefers :,)
They’d even go for a good price at the NARBC auctions, I suspect.
Happy birthday Rex.
I was thinking Emily get the teeth made into a necklace to wear.
wire wrapped rex teeth jewelry sounds awesome
28 seconds ago is crazy. I love Rex so much
HAPPY 37TH B-DAY REX!❤❤❤
(You are the best reptile zookeepers ever, I wish I could go visit you but I live very far away😢. I will send you gifts for a fan mail video.)
I still remember when you filmed driving home with her. Still can't believe that was 10 years. Happy birthday Rex!!!!!!
I check in with this channel every few months I don’t want you as much as I used to. I was little, but I remember Rex was my favorite along with nearly headless Nick bless his little snake heart, but I can’t believe she got old now it’s crazy how time flies by
i was so happy to see this pop up in my notifications. i missed your guys' sit down videos with rexy, and i remember all too well the horrific storytimes you had with her. lots of love to you guys for giving her the best home she could wish for. happy 10th year with the snake discovery family, rex!!
I loved seeing Rex's story, especially the old pictures. And the Rex-cam was a joy! I assume the tortoises were put away while she was out roaming 😆I had to pause the video immediately to go order that new shirt too 💜 She surely has come a long way! When I visited last month, I spent most of my time with Rex. She's so gregarious. And it was so sweet to see her come to Emily when she spoke through the little gap in the window. And when the back door opened, Rex flung herself at it so fast! That was impressive and a little startling.
You can tell how much Emily and Ed both love and respect the hell out of Rex.
Around 5 years ago I was terrified of reptiles - snakes especially - but stumbled across a video of you taking Rex to the pet shop to buy toys. Think I saw it on a random Facebook page. Anyway it led me to finding your channel and after watching for a while, deciding that maybe snakes weren't so scary after all - maybe they were even... cute?? Fast forward a few years and I have 3 plains hoggies (including a superconda - my dream snake), a ball python, a cornie and a crested gecko. And all because of Rex and the pet shop! Happy Gotcha Anniversary to you and Rex - lets hope she inspires many more people to learn about reptiles and realise they're friends, not foes!
Happy birthday you lovely lady!! Emily, Ed, thank you BOTH for always doing this for all reptiles.
0:53 "DONT KILL JOHNNY EIGHTLEGS" got me dying 😂
Edit:dam 23 likes in 17 minutes?
Edit 2:OMG NOT TO BE THAT PERSON BUT OVER 100?? TYSM ❤
lol right
True
Lol yeah it was hilarious
0:54 😊
@@StellaMusun it's the same thing..
Put ed in an inflatable T. rex costume for Rex’s next birthday
Yes 🎉😂😅
I love Rex!!! 💚 🖤 💚 🖤 💚 Happy birthday beautiful girl!!! It still hurts my heart every time I hear her story even though I've heard it many times... I'm so happy she has you guys now!!! On another topic, I love longer videos like this!!! 💚 🖤
I love this so much. Esp hearing more detail on Rex's origin. She really does look SO tiny in the first pics of her. And man... A litter box taking up part of a 4 ft enclosure... No wonder she didn't grow much 😢 I've said before, but I knew I found my ppl when I heard y'all burned her old enclosure. A new beginning, and tbh a good redirect for any anger... I still feel so sad looking at the marks on the corners from her snoot 😭 The series of mistakes leading to her situation is hard to comprehend, but I'm glad y'all got her out of there. She truly has lived her best life for the past 10 years with you. Even if she communicates displeasure at not sleeping in her room overnight by leaving a poo 😂 Which does kinda show she loves her zoo room 😊 I'm glad she still likes her scratches 😊 Happy Birthday Rexxie! 🎉🐟🎂🐊
(Ps I have heard of an alligator named Saw at Everglades outpost with a similar look and story to Rex; but idk if she's still living there.)
I so appreciate the work you do, which seems to have started with Rex: rescue and education. With so much kindness and grace given.
HAPPY REX BIRTHDAY
Snake Discovery has had such a positive impact on the entire reptile community. Seeing Rex’s transformation into a healthier happier girl is incredible. Thanks for sharing her story! Wishing you ten more years!
I absolutely adore Rex
WOO! Old lady!! I remember back when she had her own pool at your place and oh my goodness she’s amazing 💪 appreciating the fact y’all love and care for her so so much
This is why i watch TH-cam. To see wonderful happy animals and know that the world is not all bad. Xx
New security alligator. Lol. Love rex😊 happy birthday
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope for many more years of Rex!
Rex and I are about the same age! Glad she's got a much happier future than her past. Happy Birthday Rex!!!
So amazing to see how far shes come. I started watching you guys in 2019 and have seen all your videos, she has grown and changed infront of our eyes. So beautiful to see
I remeber watching your videos i loved watching rex and watching baby snakes hatch this brings back many memories
That mural is on point - it looks just like Rex!!!
HAPPY 37th BIRTHDAY REXY 🐊 WE ALL LOVE YOU IMMENSELY!!! YOU ARE WHO BROUGHT ME INTO SNAKE DISCOVERY AND IVE BEEN HERE EVERY SINCE!!! I WISH YOU LOTS OF SNACKIES AND HEAD SCRITCHES!!! 🐠 🍗 🎂 🎈 🎉 🎊
Rex is definitely wider ! 😂😂😂 But she is a star and knows her life is so much better . I hope she out lives 50 years 😊❤
It is crazy how much she has grown, and how quickly she grew after being out in a healthier environment
Rex was the reason why I started watching this channel. I didn't realize I have been watching that long.
Happy birthday Rexy. I remember you flooding the guess room and destroying the pump and going to pet store. Emmy is like dory. 😊alway distracted. A Rex tooth necklace like a shark tooth would be cool
21:41 "little rex poop foots!" Killed me 😂
HIIIII REX CONGRATS NOW YOUR OLD ENOUGH TO BE STAFF!!
happy birth anniversary rex, 27 years in that box and yet still going is nothing short of unbelievable
Congratulations to you and Rex. He's so lucky you have him.
Happy birthday, Rex(ie) she is such a big girl now 😊
Wait me and Rex share a birthday?!
I GUESS SO!
Happy birthday!!!
Happy birthday to the two of you❤❤
HAPPY BIRTHDAYYYY
Happy birthday
19:00 The was Emily goes full gremlin mode when she finds Rex’s teeth 😅❤
I have been watching you guys for a while now, and just the change in rex in the past 4 years is huge, seeing even older pictures of her is crazy the better life you guys have given this (and many other) amazing animal.
happy hippy birthday Rex! I remember the first thumbnail that attracted me to your channel was when Rex was doing the death roll with her toy I guess in your basement..I've been hooked ever since! Thank you fir the entertainment! God bless you fir looking after these beautiful beasts!
Happy birthday Rex!!! Time flies fast!
Happy birthday Rexy!
I'm impressed with how big rexy is. This is why I always get the runts of cat litters. They always get huge!
They really do! My cat was the only tabby amongst a bunch of Siamese sisters, so he definitely was a last-minute addition by a different father. We had to wait for him to get big enough to take him home, but got to meet him at his foster family's house in advance, and as soon as they put the food down, he spent ages just eating and eating, long after his sisters were off playing. We should have known he'd always be a big eater! He had a huge appetite, up until the end, when he got a less common expression of hyperthyroidism and stopped eating. It would have been his birthday on the 5th. I miss the "little" guy so much.
Imagine how much bigger she'd be if she hadn't been stunted
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen one of snake discovery’s videos, but I used to watch every one. I remember watching the video explaining Rex’s story for the first time and seeing the clip of brushing her teeth, I can’t believe it’s been 10 years already and that she’s 37. It’s sad to think that she may not have a lot of time left with us. But hopefully she will last another 10 or more years and reach 50, especially because Ed and Emily give such good care to her. Love you guys ❤
Happy Anniversary to Rex and Emily and Ed ❤ Y’all are such wonderful souls for doing what you do to help these beautiful creatures! It warms my heart. Xoxo
Happy for Rex! Sadly so many don't find their deserved forever home. Here in Michigan, there are at least two Alligators on the loose, almost certainly released. If they are not captured in the next month or so, they are almost certainly doomed, so hopefully they will be caught. One is in a river, the other Lake Erie, so in both cases it will be very difficult to find and capture them.
Emily definitely doesnt seem to mind but she could probably wear galoshes when she has to clean rex's pool like that. Or if she doesnt mind getting wet sandals to protect from anything on the floor of the pool.
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY REX
Thank goodness for people like you 🖤 I've been watching you since the "What it's like to have a pet alligator" video & this was quite emotional to watch... Her story is indeed very sad... Sickening that humans treat animals so poorly but I'm so so thankful for people like yourselves who dedicate your lives to putting that right 🖤🖤🖤
I love Rex so much ♡ it's been nice to see how much she's grown since you two adopted her.
I love your snakes and reptiles, but Rex has such a fun personality to see. While it's sad where she began, it's amazing to see where she ended up.