Reptilia announces amicable end to legal dispute with London City Hall about displaying exotic species

CTV’s Daryl Newcombe with an update on the local reptile zoo, Reptilia's status in the wake of contests with City Hall over bylaw conflicts.

Reptilia has announced that its two-and-a-half-year legal dispute with London City Hall is over, and the indoor zoo at Westmount Commons Shopping Centre has recently received accreditation from a national organization.

“It was a top priority for us,” said Reptilia General Manager Ryan Vince about resolving the disagreement.

In early 2023, council voted against amending the Animal Control Bylaw to permit the indoor zoo to display exotic species.

Reptilia opened to the public several weeks later inside Westmount Commons Shopping Centre with a mix of native and exotic species.

It has a business licence and occupancy permit issued by the city, and its lawyer argued that the zoo’s provincial license permits it to operate in London.

However, city hall responded in June 2023 by filing a notice of application in Superior Court seeking:

• A declaration that Reptilia is not exempted from compliance with the Animal Control Bylaw
• An order restraining Reptilia from contravening the Animal Control Bylaw by keeping prohibited animals
• Costs of the application and other relief that the court deems

“That was very troubling for us,” admitted Vince. “So now that everything is settled, it’s extremely positive. Not only for the staff, but for the public.”

On Thursday, Civic Administration provided no clarity about why or how it resolved the dispute with Reptilia.

CTV News was told the city doesn’t provide comment on legal matters, and stated, “The Animal Control bylaw remains in effect and any new establishments would have to comply with its provisions.”

Zoocheck Canada had previously warned the city against withdrawing the court application because it could open a legal loophole for other zoos to enter London.

The organization believes the public deserves transparency from city hall.

“I can’t imagine what kind of settlement could have happened, given the way the bylaw is worded, and it does not appear that the bylaw has been changed,” said Julie Woodyer of Zoocheck Canada.

She added, “Just a complete lack of transparency. If a settlement has been reached, certainly the public should be made aware of it.”

Meanwhile, Reptilia’s facility in London recently received accreditation from CAZA (Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums) after a review of its facility and operations.

CAZA describes itself as a non-profit charitable organization, “committed to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums as advocates of animal welfare, conservation, education and research.”

“It confirms that practices have been independently reviewed, and it holds us accountable to the same expectations as Canada’s other leading zoological institutions,” said Vince.

Reptilia’s membership in CAZA will also see it participate in local conservation efforts.