First Docent Class, circa 1970-1972

The records that Behler held in his office as of his passing include Behler’s reference files on ecology and animal management; articles and reports by himself and others on various zoo and conservation topics; materials pertaining to his work with the Madagascar Fauna Group and other conservation efforts in Madagascar; records of his participation at meetings, workshops, and specialist groups of various zoo and conservation organizations; photographs; records reflecting his tenure as Program Director for the Society’s Wildlife Survival Center on Saint Catherines Island; and Behler’s research on snakebites and antivenin that he used to update New York City’s emergency snakebite protocol (which in turn became a topic for his lectures and papers). Subseries 3.2, "Herpetology Articles, Handouts and Reports", contains materials similar to those in series 5.1, "Articles and Publications"; see the files there as well for the fullest picture of Behler's articles, consultations, and other writings.

The photographic materials include prints, contact sheets, transparencies, and negatives. Images depict Herpetology Department staff, a variety of herpetological collection animals at different stages of development, field collection and research efforts, NYZS Reptile House exhibits before and after the 1970s renovation, exhibition and behind the scenes areas of other zoos and aquaria, Behler with others abroad, releases of alligators back to the wild, and other NYZS people. Other subjects include a reptile department snakebite treatment class, one of the Great Snake Debates, and a detailed model of the Wild Asia exhibits. There is also correspondence and annotated photos sent by Walter Auffenberg detailing the typical locations and ‘look’ of Komodo dragon dens that he found during his research on the island in 1969-1970.