| model
citizen >>> maria gara
| widemag
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maria
garamodel
Interview by: silverio pantalla
Who
is the SnakeBabe?
The SnakeBabe is just me! A girl named Maria who likes reptiles.
It all started with two pet snakes. I now own and operate a rescue for
unwanted reptiles.
Too often
people purchase these magnificent exotic animals not aware of the difficult
and expensive husbandry practices that are essential to their health.
When they
become too large or dangerous for them, people drop off the unwanted
pet at veterinarian office, police departments of just in the desert.
That's when I get the call. I take on the animal, see to their medical
needs and when healthy I adopt them out or keep them myself.
Many are
now used in children's shows, or adult magic shows or in my modeling
activities on my website at www.snakebabe.com. This generates funds
to continue their specialized care. It is a lot of work but it is also
really fun.
Why
Snakes?
Animals are just my one true passion in life and I am allergic
to fur so that leaves me with reptiles. As for the impact they have
on an audience that is obvious. It scares some while fascinates others.
Not many animals can do that.
Which
type of snakes do you like to work with?
Boas, Pythons and some Colubrids like corn and king snakes. I
stay away from venomous if I can. I do own dozens of tarantulas, scorpions
and lizards too.
When
did you decided to do what you do?
It just kind of happened. As a model and as a magician, I
wanted to work with my pets. I got this nickname "The SnakeBabe"
and used that as a name for a website in which my booking agents could
invite buyers to preview my magic show.
I
started getting e-mails asking to buy my pictures and it just happened,
snakebabe.com was born.
If
you could have just one wish; what could it be?
End animal cruelty.
If
you could meet anyone living or dead; who would that be and why?
That's an easy one, Jesus. I plan on meeting him someday
just hopefully not too soon. As for why, he's God! Isn't that reason
enough?
If
you had to choose one outfit: what would it look-like?
For comfort I would rather be nude 24 hours a day but I really
like the elegance of my long robes and gowns.
Jeans and sweats are a must but if I have to pick one (not knowing the
situation) I like catsuits with lots of cut-outs.
Not
to practical for cage cleaning but so sexy for stage!
How
many snakes do you work with?
I have 24 snakes at this time. Over 60 animals total but
I have dozens more every year that come to my Las Vegas rescue
shelter for reptiles so the number changes often.
How
is it to do a show at Studio 54 in Las Vegas?
There are difficulties in that people love to ask questions
and I love to answer them but the loud music makes it hard to carry
on a conversation.
I
do get to give lots of snake care advice, I get to meet lots of cute
guys (and girls) but there are the few occasional guys who have had
a bit too much to drink.
I
am always on the look out for the safety of the animals.
Who
have been some of your main influences as an artist and as a person?
As an artist there are really no "Snake Women"
to look to. It has all grown as I go along. I don't look to anyone as
an influence since I want to be an original.
As
for a person I guess I could say I really admire people like Angelina
Jolie, even though I do not agree with everything she does she has
made her life an incredible success in that even though she is freaky
she still works in such an conservative market.Her
skill out weighs all her idiosyncrasies.
As
for magic I admire David Copperfield and the Amazing Jonathan
for what they have created.
What
other things do you do outside the Snake Babe persona?
Not much at this time. My life is very much work motivated. I love my
job. I do it almost every waking hour. Although not quite as exaggerated
as the SnakeBabe is on my website or on stage, I am the SnakeBabe
24/7.
I
don't want to mislead you in that I run around naked with pythons all
the time but
I do work with them daily and always perfecting my magic act.
For me
this is fun. The only outside activities is perhaps watching Science
Fiction and Horror movies when I am physically exhausted.
Where
do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I am pretty sure I will be wearing more clothes in my photos!
But I can't imagine not doing something without my animals.
Hopefully
I will have enough money to build a larger animal rescue. Acting would
be fun.
All
photos and graphics courtesy of Maria Gara "The Snake Babe"
and published with permission.
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