Mike Hopcraft

Mike Hopcraft

The Reptile Guy, Mike Hopcraft, has been fascinated with reptiles ever since his very first pet lizard in Grade 5. Since that early age, he learned all there is to know about odd and exotic animals, expanding his collection and rescuing unwanted or mistreated reptiles in hopes of finding them all loving homes. "I love reptiles; they are my life."

Fundraising Efforts to Stay Open!

Still accepting donations and doing fundraisers to raise enough money to keep the facility open. Latest events and fundraisers will be listed here. All these efforts ensure there's a place for animals like the 8 foot alligator that was just rescued! Pictures can be found on The Reptiles page.

February 4th to 6th - The Reptile Guy will be at Cherry Lane Mall in Penticton, BC. He'll be at Centre Court during mall hours. Come visit with some of the world's most unique creatures! And get your photo taken with a boa, a lizard, a tortoise or more! All proceeds and donations go to support the Rescue Efforts of The Reptile Guy.

New Laws Almost Force Closure of Facility!

In previous years, The Reptile Guy has supported the rescue program by putting on educational presentation at schools, malls, expos, birthday parties and many other functions. With the new laws that were put into effect on April 1st, 2010, many of the main animals used were made illegal to use in the presentations. With the main attraction animals not being allowed out, business has declined by at least 50%. This means that the funds needed to support the rescued and surrendered reptiles that are already here, and continue to come in, are no longer available.

The Reptile Guy has sacrificed his home and is now living in a van so that a warehouse could be rented to accommodate the rising number of rescues. The original plan with the warehouse was to become a CAZA accredited facility which would allow the newly restricted animals to be displayed but due to city zoning bylaws, the building was deemed unsuitable for this purpose.

I feel this province will suffer a huge loss with the rescue program shutting down and many animals will suffer with no place to go. I also feel the government should have been a little more understanding when it comes to allowing an educational program to continue as it has for the past 10 years. I hate to think what would happen to the 80+ reptiles, amphibians, arachnids and primates (90% are rescued or surrenders) that are housed in the facility if I was forced to shut down.

 




 

Official Site

 

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