Creating Paradise for the World's Most Hated Toad (Cane Toad Vivarium)

[@SerpaDesign]

I’m so excited to share Pistachio finally! I knew I’d have to do this right, and as time went on, I wanted to wait until I had experimented with these new background techniques some more. I’m glad I did. I can’t wait to see it and her fully grown in. What do you think of it all? Also, she’s not the only animal that was growing behind the scenes. Many others have yet to make their debut on the channel, and I cannot wait to share. Stay tuned! Have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@B4Bescool]

Are you going to be at aquashella Daytona this year?

[@BobyChanMan]

I love her!

[@Guadalupeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

You should get a asian water monitor lizard!

[@marikah6198]

In this beautiful set up, Pistachio is the luckiest cane frog in the world. I enjoy your channel. Thank you, and please have a great weekend.

[@gc6888]

Great job!

[@joshuasmith147]

I was once told that folks in their native range will sometimes encourage a cane toad to live in or around the house as they eat the bugs so efficiently. Amazing animals in the right setting.

[@anotherhuman8211]

The animal is awesome, but not awesome with human's part in its destructive invasiveness.

[@vvitch-mist20]

I hope this video encourages people to keep them as pets, but ultimately there is one unfortunate solution to invasive species.

[@chaoticature]

Just like weeds my friend. There's a place for all of nature.

[@elizamizziara5031]

That's true! I live in Brazil and they're very good at eating scorpions and spiders, but they also love to steal cat food 😅

[@fugithegreat]

I live in Panama and I always shoo away the cane toads when they show up in my yard, because I don't want my dogs, cats, or chickens getting ahold of them. Otherwise I wouldn't mind. I think they're kind of cute.

[@jenndoesstuff]

I've worked in construction and I actually have experience on the exact issue you're talking about! The purple coloration is actually just temporary. It will eventually fade to the correct color, but that type of pigment when pouring concrete always starts off purple and then cures eventually to the desired brown/beige color! So just trust the process, basically.

[@mkuc6951]

interesting thanks for sharing.

[@brookdavis994]

I worked with a cane toad back when I was in college, absolutely amazing to work with! It's such a shame that these guys get such a bad rep because WE released them where they shouldn't, I know we probably didn't know that they could cause such an impact 100 years ago, but still it's not the cane toads fault that they're good at surviving. An amazing build as always Tanner! I really love how the concrete looks, and its what I've always wanted in builds like these but never knew how to achieve it!

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

I think the biggest problem is (the) humans (in charge) didn't really care about long term negative environmental impacts, they were making choices based on short term profit margins. And we still haven't learned better, based on plastics and the petroleum industry.

[@ThylineTheGay]

​@@Lazy_Fish_Keeperyeah, it's not like they _couldn't_ have known they would be invasive

[@ThylineTheGay]

​@@Lazy_Fish_Keeperbut I guess when you're already doing horrific things to the people who were there first, you probably also don't care about the environment

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

@@ThylineTheGay you got the underlying message!

[@platedlizard]

@@ThylineTheGayyup it's really sad.

[@Benefactorist]

I'd suggest some floating plants in the water feature. It would help Pistachio feel more secure when in the water area, make the area look more natural, and also help keep the water cleaner for Pistachio's skin.

[@dawn7882]

I have my tree frogs aquarium filled with plants and he loves it ❤

[@krossfesting]

as an artist and a lover of geology, the vertical concrete carving and glazing is AMAZING. it looks so genuine. also the attention to detail when you add little bits of iron deposits, highlights, and roots just makes it all the better. you arent just a pallidarium/aquarium builder, you are an ARTIST.

[@SerpaDesign]

She gets a diet of crickets, roaches, night crawlers, and super worms. Slowly expanding her pallet, but she's been quite picky thus far.

[@RoundSeal]

I really look forward to seeing an update on this, once it's seasoned and the plants start filling out, moss starts flourishing, and algae starts to colour the waterfall. I think it'll look great. And thank you for talking about a human-induced invasive species with some compassion and respect. We, as a species, are far too willing to forget our own involvement and responsibility when it comes to _intentional_ introduction of eventually harmful species. Cane toads are just one of a good few examples, sadly. (City pigeons are another! 🕊️) The animals have no idea that they're not supposed to be there and causing damage to their environs; they're just trying to live normally like any other creature. We can be responsible about our role in invasive introduction, while still showing the animals involved some respect and dignity. 💚

[@-beee-]

Yes! I was thinking watching this that it’s going to be INCREDIBLE once it’s grown in a bit

[@finallyforfeited]

How are pigeons harmful in a city environment? I thought they were bred to live with people /genq

[@RoundSeal]

@@finallyforfeited Because they're eating a lot of scrap food that they're not good at digesting, they tend to get ill and produce a lot of waste because of that. Pigeons in a state of poor health can often spread parasites, which can pass to pets or people depending on where they're roosting. The issue isn't that they're around people - it's that the people they're around are not providing for them in ways that greatly increase the health of the birds. Some cities have tried putting up large-scale 'pigeon houses' which provide a safe and comfortable roosting environment, as well as good-quality feed for them to rely on rather than garbage. So far, this has shown to be hugely beneficial; it 'keeps' the pigeons where we would prefer them to be, it increases their health (which can prevent so many sick birds and parasites), and it increases the quality of their droppings, which are not supposed to be the seagull-esque splatters that people might associate with them. It takes honestly very little relative work to provide for and improve their environment, and by doing so, we improve our own, too.

[@MrVovansim]

Only Serpa could give such a habitat to a "pest", that others might not afford to a desired pet. You are a person with a big heart, indeed.

[@interrodang]

lost my MIND when I saw the Pistachio Miss Pennsylvania edit. I LOVE IT

[@spencersoup845]

As an Aussie I feel we have all been taught to hate cane toads, despite them not being an issue if humans hadn’t moved them across the globe. While I understand why cane toads are eradicated it’s sad to see humans solely putting the blame on them. Thank you for giving this one a second chance in such a wonderful way and educating viewers in the process hopefully we can all learn from this and prevent further invasive species!

[@spencercorby4571]

For a second I thought I had commented on this video some time ago but I've never seen this video. Hello from America!

[@jobdylan5782]

It's not done to be mean, its propaganda. You have to get a population of people to dislike invasive species. Look at lanternflies. You can't empathize with an animal and eradicate them by force.

[@CaSCHWANK]

I was not prepared for how cute Pistachio would be in her little tiara and sash 🥺🥺

[@glassmatress6343]

this should be shown to every zoo enclosure builder all over the world. honestly you should be in control of zoo building you really understand how to build a good enclosure.

[@PredictableEnigma]

I'm sure that many zoo workers are already fans of his

[@Pearl.Is.Autistic.SU.900]

Me too

[@arnicamoana7861]

@@Ascendancy-My closest zoo (Texas, USA) utilizes bioactive enclosures for its amphibs and reptiles?

[@et3182]

@@Ascendancy- You sound like someone who has exactly zero experience or knowledge of the thing you are talking about. There is a lot more than goes into zoo enclosures beyond money.

[@lornacy]

​@@Ascendancy-Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington is lovely and puts a lot of thought into making realistic habitats for their animals. When I was a child in the 70's it was pretty awful but has definitely changed. They also donate a lot of money to conservative efforts and use the zoo to build awareness.

[@Terratepuy]

I have seen these toads in their natural hábitat (in My homecountry, Venezuela) and your tank Match nature very well. Very imprrsive!

[@lynx1717]

As a hater of invasives, but a lover of all animals regardless, and I love this. They didn't mean to be invasive. it's all our fault as humans, so we as humans need to take responsibility and give them good homes. I adore this! I hope this little lady continues to live happy and safe with you!

[@LittleMan2300]

Give the ones outside Australia good homes, sure.

[@violentcat345]

As an Aussie who is keenly aware of the damage introduced species like cane toads can do it's really nice to see a positive outcome for both the toad and the environment for once. Beautiful build and as always, inspiring!

[@adri_ya]

your humor has really been shining through in your last few videos. love the miss pennsylvania edit almost as much as the dramatic reenactments from samson's video

[@ClukeVenolo]

I cannot wait to see how your concrete carving skills hone over time; this technique has so much potential. Drastic improvement since the last build.

[@the_buggiest]

I love how you talk about them as invasive species. Cane toad introduction is a man-made problem; the toads are just doing what comes naturally.

[@maccazbra7530]

Still is classified as invasive species in Australia no matter the circumstance of introduction, not their fault though as you said it is man made issue, I kinda like them doesn't stop it from being one of the most destructive animals to the Australian wildlife and im sure anywhere else they were brought to

[@ItsDrMcQuack]

But that's how invasive species are defined, as having been introduced to a non-native area through human activity. The animals obviously just live their lives and aren't to blame either way, but if a species arrived on its own, it's by definition not invasive.

[@Zenek143]

@@maccazbra7530yeah man, if you bring them into Australia you risk getting kicked by the boot.

[@madduck2323]

Most of the problems we have are ‘man made’ 😒

[@Zenek143]

@@madduck2323 did you not get the reference?

[@Radioactive661]

It's certainly hard to be sympathetic to these toads due to what they do in my country but its nice to see you treating it well

[@SoHoundHouse]

I simply love it when the animal husbandry is ethical. ❤‍🔥

[@Monkekidranga]

Pistachio is a great name

[@kesomon]

That new technique for the background is awesome. I was watching this thinking that one could crumble granite/mica and press it into the sticky face to make the rocks look like granite, that'd be a cool effect.

[@SerpaDesign]

Exactly! There really are endless possibilities to what can be done with it.

[@bluedripping]

1:22 This image makes me unreasonably happy

[@KonkeyDongkey]

I think it's quite reasonable

[@Meraxes6]

Pistachio hit the jackpot with you! It’s not her fault she’s invasive 😢 This setup really is beautiful, love the new background technique

[@Indigoharpy]

I'm a Florida resident and they live by my hose. They are so cute and I'm glad that Pistachio gets to live a nice life.

[@_Dark222Angel_]

its cool how this one single toad gets to live like a king

[@stampinturtles]

A queen! Lol

[@RoundSeal]

Queen* 👑

[@GJenaG]

She's going to be HUGE one day.

[@kiko7247]

Beautifully put, it's humans fault, and we have to find peaceful solutions to the problems we create. Pistachio is lovely, and her tank looks amazing. You did an awesome job. Thank you for taking such good care of your pets and always set top level standards

[@bethsheeba1198]

I am in Australia where cane toads are viewed as a pest. I feel sorry for them as we humans are responsible. Glad to see you care about one of them. Wishing Pistachio a long and happy life. cheers from Oz.

[@Lori_P89]

I don't know what it is about this setup, but it seems especially comfortable for this toad! I think I'm really liking the concrete-carving method. Labor intensive but 100% Worth It imo!

[@tracys_plants]

Holy cow. This is STUNNING. The most gorgeous set up I’ve seen.

[@mollyeverglade3655]

I live in Queensland, Australia, where invasive cane toads are a HUGE problem. A lot of people seem to take some kind of sick joy in "eradicating" them, but I feel sorry for them. They didn't ask to be here, but they do truly need to go. I wish there was an easy, human way to end their population here but there doesn't seem to be at the moment. Fun fact, though, the Australian white ibis, colloquially referred to as the "bin chicken" has found a way to eat cane toads safely after all these years. They have long, curved beaks and they have started picking up the toads in the very ends of their beaks, flinging them around madly to make them release all of their toxins, and then washing them off in nearby bodies of water to make them safe to eat. Funnily enough, a lot of people consider the white ibis a pest, because they forage in bins and will go for your picnic. I love them and am very proud of them for figuring this out!

[@LittleMan2300]

Yeah, plenty of birds have figured out how to just flip them over and eat their stomach as well from what I remember.

[@CoreKatalyst]

WOW the textures of the carving and the realism you captured in it is amazing. I’m floored with how good it looks

[@carolynhirning2259]

I absolutely LOVE your channel! Thank you for everything you are doing!!! Sending hugs from Ohio!

[@aidandressel6884]

Between this build and Samson's, I love the fact you're using 6 foot setups. Amphibians are more active than most people give them credit for.

[@Franziii96x]

I never even thought about frogs or toads as pets, but after I seen some of youre videos, I actually like them quite a bit :) You're making amazing, living art!

[@jules7740]

I love Pistachio and I would do anything for her. ❤ That concrete work looks amazing!! Good job!

[@azzyjeffs]

I remember a book I had when I was younger about cane toads, written from the toad’s point of view. It was called Toad Rage - I don’t remember the author, but I remember I enjoyed the book

[@chrisvinai9842]

The concrete has really upped your game. Cool seeing you grow and learn. Great seeing the community open to constructive criticism and new ideas/techniques and just being positive in general. Always something new to learn and try out there. Keep it up!!

[@TheSeptemberRose]

Tanner, you are such a phenomenal artist! I LOVE watching how you turn a pile of foam scraps into a replica of a natural, outdoor setting! Thank You so much for sharing what you do with all of us!

[@Herpetfrogsology]

I just wanted to say that you are incredibly creative, talented, and intelligent. It's truly inspiring. I understand how vital it is to provide the correct environment for our little monsters, but it can be frustrating when we're not able to give them everything they deserve all at once. I hope to reach your level of proficiency and meticulousness one day.

[@NicolasMartin-l5g]

Dear Serpa, I've been watching your channel for years and haven't commented on how awesome your work is. My daughter recently took to catching frogs on a daily basis and this video was used as an educational opportunity for how to properly care for living organisms. Your ability to evolve and develop your skills is also quite spectacular!! thank you for all the uploads

[@josssbo]

The way you've taken to this new medium is so impressive! It's clear you have an intimate knoweldge of the landscapes you are recreating. Love your work, man, long time fan!

[@zapple5319]

the vertical concrete looks so good! keep on working, I can see as an artist myself that you have the knowlage to keep making even cooler and more realistic enclosiures

[@PhilokaliaPhotography]

Tanner, this has got to be both your best build AND best video yet!! Stunning work. Amazing to see your craft develop and watch you hone new techniques. I really liked the format of this video a lot; how you kept the narrative flow going and didn’t interrupt it but just put notes on the screen about the various materials while you continued talking. The editing was top notch in this. Hope to see more like it! And may Pistachio live a long and happy life in her new home 😊

[@elisabeteart]

Thank you for giving her a safe home! I love the plants that you used, especially the Alocasia. They're my favorite plants 🖤

[@BenjamintheTortoise]

Such a beautiful set up!! ❤️ We live in Florida so it's nice to see them treated as a pet rather than a pest. Well done! Much love, 💞😊

[@johnnyrico6513]

So glad I started watching this channel. That was another 15 or so minutes of pure immersion, at one with The Toad.

[@nancydenmark1614]

I love the attention to detail that goes into every build of this type that you do. I live in Florida so I have never been a fan of this kind of toad, but am somehow happy that you have her and are providing a proper home. I’m curious about what she eats though. Great job as always.

[@theowl4583]

I keep a few of these guys, amazing animals that have a great food drive. Thank you for giving them the respect that they deserve dude!

[@elobrien1975]

I Love her! Such and awesome home! Thanks for sharing her and her new home!

[@garg4531]

I’m sure she’ll feel very safe and comfy in her new home! 😊 And so nice to see an animal like this being given the respect and care it deserves As you said they didn’t ask to be here and they don’t intend to cause problems, instead they and everything else are just being made to pay for humanity’s mistakes

[@reptilesrule9174]

I’m so happy for you,Tadsworth

[@emccamey1]

She's so cute!! Those big pretty eyes make her almost look like a toy.

[@JoyfulNerd400]

It’s our fault for releasing them where they shouldn’t be. I have a pet cane toad too! He’s a lovely animal to have and he gets to enjoy a naturalistic enclosure as well :)

[@DragonScale2002]

I'm so glad that this is becoming a common practice! I unfortunately cannot keep one as they are invasive in my area, but people like you and Tanner really help keep the animals happy and away from their non native wild areas :)

[@JoyfulNerd400]

@@DragonScale2002 as far as I’m aware they will never thrive in the UK if someone were to release them, but I hope it never happens here

[@DragonScale2002]

@@JoyfulNerd400 Yeah it definitely would get too cold in the winter there. I am in the aforementioned Florida though 😅

[@carhasenfratz]

This is why I have three pet European Starlings. They were rescued as babies but became pets because rehabbers usually won’t raise them for release. They are great pet birds. Not low maintenance, but superior to many pet birds if you want an intelligent, interactive bird that talks and is devoted to you.

[@dark_m8287]

yeah it's our fault and we'll be the one fixing it

[@grimmthevampirecat]

You have such a beautiful heart for animals. Thank you so much for being one of the good people on this earth and for all you do to enrich the lives of these amazing animals. ❤

[@ghomerhust]

i really love this new concrete material you've been using. it looks so easy to work with. really helped the tank come out excellent

[@smalltreefern]

that is the best partition you have done so far, i absolutely love it! the whole enclosure is beautiful

[@kevinneal9264]

I did the same thing for my green iguana Stumpy. I caught him in the wilds of Florida as baby with half a tail missing now he’s living his best life and Florida has one less invasive iguana

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

I love watching your builds. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@probpob4155]

this vertical mix concrete is such a game changer!! i love seeing how you work with it in recent videos and it just looks so fun to work with!!

[@maxhuber438]

Another banger video. Love this channel, feels so refreshing to see someone share their passion with the world. I miss when KZbin was all like this :)

[@SerpaDesign]

Yeah I think about that often as well. There's definitely still good content, but it's changed a lot since the early days.

[@chileanyways196]

The final result was amazing Tanner!!

[@petesvensson83]

Incredible work as always. You should try dry brushing the vertical concrete with a light color to really bring out the stone feeling. Mabey try some dark washes to accentuate the feeling of depth. There are some great diorama video on YT which showcase some really nice techniques that have helped me a lot to bring life to my builds. Keep up the amazing work!

[@CharleyMount]

All of your companions are so deeply Lucky to have you caretaking them!!!

[@breezyncj]

Been watching for years and I've gotta say this is the most impressive build I've seen you do!

[@PhilokaliaPhotography]

Agreed!!

[@marinalex4702]

I just found this channel and wow these enclosures are beautiful! I love the amount of care that you put into trying to replicate their natural habitat. Thank you so much for caring for pistachio. She is very lucky to have you and the life she deserves rather than being killed for simply existing.

[@Vivoterra_Design]

Hey Tanner, I've been working with concrete in enclosures for a while now and recently started making and using my own concrete stamps from local rocks. This has totally changed the game on how much detail I can add and massivly reduced the amount of time I needed to spend on sculpting. I would love to see you try out this method in a future build!

[@SerpaDesign]

Already in the works! Interesting potential to go somewhere and capture the authentic texture of materials from an animal's natural habitat.

[@Vivoterra_Design]

@SerpaDesign I can't wait to see what you make next! If you're interested in the option, the cheapest method that I've found is to find a contractor who can get wholesale price and have them buy silicone tube's in bulk. When I did it, the tubes ended up costing $1.50 a piece. Saved me a ton of money.

[@sweetsisawsome]

When I studied abroad in Costa Rica these guys loved hanging around homes. They loved to come and visit in the bathrooms.

[@peepo2560]

I never knew a tank could be so gorgeous. Miss Pistachio is living like the queen she is

[@chopracer]

i really hope we get to see a rain frog on your channel one day they're so cute

[@Aghul]

Gotta say I absolutely love the look of the concrete. You may have only used it twice so far, but it's such a game changer and your skill with it is already impressive!

[@rens2998]

Haven't finished watching the video but I'd absolutely love it if you get into biotope tanks, gbif and inaturalist are great websites to look where the frogs come from and what plants come from that area, aquariums have biotope competitions and stuff but terrariums don't have enough of this, i feel like biotopes would be such a great addition to the whole terrarium hobby and if someone could normalise it it would be you! I love seeing how good your hardscaping has become over the years and I can't wait for future videos!

[@PositivePenguinGames]

Pistachio is so cute❤

[@Gun5hip]

She's so beautiful I hope she's happy.

[@st4rlovers]

I love your compassion for Pistachio! I learned about cane toads through a college conservation course, and am glad to see someone else de-stigmatize these hefty amphibians. A shame about the bad rep that receive, considering it was our lack of research that led to their introduction. Love your videos, keep up the great work!

[@thatdemmedpimpernel]

Overlaying the outline of how big Pistachio could get was a nice touch. Also liked how you mark your foam to indicate where it goes. I imagine it would ruin your metrics, but i’d enjoy a longer video going in depth on planning.

[@alexiscondit898]

Again, one of my favorite builds since Samson's. You are truly talented and an inspiration for what is possible if you have the passion. Thank you!

[@MissChelle]

Beautiful. I live near the Australian reptile park and this is way better than any of their exhibits. You are a master! ❤️🇦🇺

[@DoubleplusUngoodthinkful]

Wow...I live in FL and see these every once in a while, but never bigger than the palm of my hand. Pistachio is HUGE.

[@hazonku]

Yet another amazing home for yet another humble and less loved critter. You're the best!

[@melodywarda100]

WOW! Just watching you carve that rock wall was soooo cool! I’m in awe of your talent and artistic eye!

[@coryharry7300]

Another fantastic build! I'm sure Pistachio will love her new home 💚💙

[@willieverusethis]

Just beautiful! Thanks for making the world a better place, Tanner.

[@LivingroomLizard]

Seeing you work with this vertical concrete has been a real eye-opener. I hope they're ready for hundreds of on- and two-bag orders from your viewers!

[@michaels5705]

I really like everything but the toad. Thanks for your time and energy in sharing your builds.

[@lindad1195]

You are a true artist! It’s beautiful! I’m so glad you created this very naturalistic home for your cane toad! It’s not her fault that she’s poisoness or that she ended up someplace other than her natural home!

[@mollyfitzie]

You really out did yourself this time, Tanner! I’ve been watching for years but this build and video was perfection. Pistachio is the luckiest gal!

[@rickyt3961]

Thank you! 🌱🐸🌱 great place you constructed for Pistachio.

[@solidsnake42069]

I'm a huge fan of this new material and getting to see how you use it :) the carving looks so satisfying, and the results are really great!

[@stampinturtles]

That’s a masterpiece! Your hand delivering her into the new world reminds me of the hand of God. I also chuckled at how you crowned her Ms. Pennsylvania. lol 😂 👸🏻I want to learn how to do this. My baby box turtle habitat is still not where I want it. I need a professional to come fix it. 🤦🏻‍♀️ But they are getting big quick so maybe I’ll just put them outside soon. Thanks for your inspiring build. I want to try the cement someday. I hope you have a blessed day. 🙏🏻❤️

[@thelmahall2593]

it is so cool to see a build from start to finish, and to know more about each animal that you have. tyvm for sharing! it is hard to believe how much you have grown through the years. i remember your builds when you were living at home :)

[@panedrop]

I really like that concrete material, it looks great blank and you could anywhere from that. The texture reminds me of coastal seafoam formations of sandy rock here in the PNW.

[@cathyfrankland9158]

Pistachio is a VERY lucky young lady; this habitat is stunning Tanner & another, very definite, success! 💚

[@maxwellpitera-torpey7501]

I have honestly missed the take care and peace! It starts my weekend off right and I'm so happy you brought it back 😁

[@eikebraselmann4306]

Beautiful build as always, Tanner! Your channel and Clint‘s reptiles are my two favorites in this corner of KZbin, and I wonder, will be ever get a collab between you guys? That would be fantastic!

[@SerpaDesign]

Probably will be at some point. We've talked about it in the past, but haven't set anything in stone as of now.

[@tcwaxwing]

The waterfall especially looks so natural, and watching you create it in a single carve, I could feel the satisfaction lol. Pistachio is a lucky lady to have you caring for her and with such a beautiful and 'right' place to call home. :)

[@misskitty8510]

You have such a great eye for designing these aquariums! 💚🐸

[@tessastaubly8148]

Excellent! I'm so happy to see Pistachio, and the setup looks so cozy.

[@felixmakesart]

That concrete looks incredible. Can’t wait to see what else you do with it in future builds!

[@Gnawcheese]

It's so relaxing to watch how little by little in turns into a beautiful home.