Distressed reptiles seized by ASPCA; Drumheller’s Reptile World closing
Posted Feb 10, 2015 6:53 pm.
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It’s a cautionary tale for anyone thinking of setting up a similar business.
The Alberta SPCA has stepped in to seize all the animals from Reptile World in Drumheller after the tourist attraction ran into financial difficulties.
The organization says more than 140 reptiles and amphibians were taken from the business in recent weeks.
The organization’s Roland Lines tells 660News, they’re being treated at a number of facilities where staff has expertise in dealing with reptiles.
“They do need specialized care, specialized food and handling and environments to live in and so we have sourced appropriate places for them,” said Lines.
Lines adds nine of the creatures had to be put down because of their poor condition.
Reptile World says on its Facebook page that it is shutting down, but the owner now has ten days to try to get some of the animals back before the SPCA decides what to do with them.
Just last month, the zoo announced a $300,000 fundraising campaign.
An investigation continues, but no charges have been laid.
