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Monday, 1/14/2008 8:50 pm
Surrey Leader > News > Reptile refuge to open again
Reptile refuge to open again
January 13, 2008
Supporters of the beleaguered Rainforest Reptile Refuge are determined to reopen the facility to the public.
But they can't do it without help, refuge spokesman Jerred Flynn said.
"The decision to be open again has been made," Flynn said Thursday. "The biggest problem we have is the fact we're badly understaffed."
The refuge, at 1395 176 St., is home to more than 300 animals, from caimans and snapping turtles to boa constrictors. The majority started out as pets, and came to the refuge when their owners realized they couldn't handle the commitment. Some were simply dumped outside the refuge doors; many suffered abuse before being abandoned.
An effort to ban ownership of exotic animals continues, with refuge supporters strongly in favour.
The refuge, in operation for 23 years, receives no government funding, and has been plagued with finance and staffing issues for years. For a time, the majority of the 24-hour care required by the animals and operation of the facility was being handled by one person.
But last September, curator Paul Springate reached his limit. He closed the sanctuary's doors to the public and appealed to Surrey council for financial assistance to the tune of $11,000 per month.
Mayor Dianne Watts said this week that is simply not realistic. While there is a recognized need for the service, $11,000 per month is not a commitment the city can make.
"We would still like to ensure that the reptiles are taken care of. We're working with them to see how we can achieve that and what role we can play," Watts said.
Watts said the city's head of bylaws, John Sherstone, is working with the refuge operators to help them develop a business plan, which is essential to getting the facility back on track, she said. She noted the fact there is no fee policy in place for services such as picking up unwanted exotics is among issues that need to be addressed.
Flynn said progress is being made. Efforts are underway to renew the refuge's website and volunteer training is being developed.
Now, they need to hear from people wanting to get involved. To open on the weekends, a minimum of three volunteers are needed for each day. Those interested are asked to e-mail reptile.refuge@hotmail.com or call 604-538-1711.