Reptilia London opens to overwhelming response despite municipal bylaw
CTV
The doors have opened at Reptilia London two months after city council decided not to exempt the zoo from the Animal Control Bylaw. On Saturday, the indoor zoo at Westmount Commons Mall began displaying both native and exotic reptiles in its 40,000 sq. ft. facility.
The doors have opened at Reptilia London two months after city council decided not to exempt the zoo from the Animal Control Bylaw.
On Saturday, the indoor zoo at Westmount Commons Mall began displaying both native and exotic reptiles in its 40,000 sq. ft. facility.
According to Reptilia, the number of visitors over the first two days exceeded expectations.
“An overwhelming response having not advertised at all,” said Michael Lerner, a lawyer representing Reptilia. “We are delighted!”
The zoo includes snakes, turtles, lizards, American alligators, and a pair of Nile crocodiles.
On Feb. 14, city council closed the door on Reptilia’s request to amend business licensing rules and the Animal Control Bylaw that forbid the display of exotic species.
In March, Zoocheck Canada told CTV News London that it filed a complaint with municipal bylaw enforcement after a social media post announced an exotic snake had been relocated to the indoor zoo.
