Dozens of reptiles are taking refuge at a Peterborough, Ont., sanctuary after what may be the largest crocodilian rescue operation ever conducted in North America. More than 150 alligators, crocodiles, and caimans were involved in the rescue, Indian River Reptile Zoo curator Bry Loyst told CTVNews.ca. "Some of them were kept in aquariums and were never able to swim, so seeing them swim for the first time was just a joy," Loyst said. "Believe it or not, a lot of people keep crocodilians in areas where they aren't able to swim." The animals were kept illegally in Toronto, where local bylaws prohibit such exotic species as pets. All of the animals came from one owner, Loyst said. The owner reached out to the zoo, and made a donation to help cover the cost of their care. Approximately 20 staff members and volunteers helped transport them to their new home located approximately 150 kilometres northeast of the city. Volunteers will also help with the animals' care. Some cannot be returned to the wild because they were illegally imported. Loyst said others will not be allowed to re-enter their countries of origin for fear of disease transmission to native species. Instead, the animals will be kept in the zoo's new, $1 million crocodile rescue building, a facility with approximately 10,000 gallons of water held in multiple pools. Some of the pools are as deep as two metres, able to hold the species that can grow to be three metres long. Loyst said that all of the rescued reptiles will have outdoor access in the summer, but will be kept indoors in the colder months. For the rest of the summer, visitors can see the cold-blooded critters when they choose to go outside. The zoo plans to open the indoor part of the crocodile building to the public next summer. The sanctuary is the only accredited, not-for-profit institution of its kind in North America. The zoo plans to open its crocodile rescue building to the public next summer. The organization is largely funded by the public, either by the cost of admission or donations made online.
