Crocs and reptiles treated to new home

Flag Animal Farm’s snakes and reptiles officially moved into their new and improved homes on Saturday, March 7 with the launch of their new reptile area.

“We worked for 38 days to give these animals a better environment with bigger enclosures that imitate each animal’s natural habitat,” said reptile manager, Daneel Fuchs.

Fuchs hand painted a forest background for each enclosure, adding a personal touch to their cold-blooded friends’ new hand-built glass houses.

After letting visitors into the new reptile section for the first time, Fuchs displayed his Crocodile Dundee skills by handling a small American alligator and letting the kids and their parents interact with it, while educating them about crocodiles and alligators.

“The American alligator is not an aggressive animal and this one is so tame she sleeps with my three-year-old daughter in her bed,” said Fuchs.

Co-owner Gen Chisholm said they have, to date, rescued more than 10 500 animals at Flag Animal Farm over its 13 year existence. Chisholm said the new section is home to about 15 snakes, five crocodiles, two alligators and 40 reptiles and other unusual creatures.