New reptile-park to be opened later this year : Iguanaland in Punta Gorda strives to be world’s largest reptile zoo
Ty Park, the owner of this zoo is a well-known figure among reptile keepers. He's a great guy and very helpful to anyone seeking his knowledge. I hope Iguanaland does well and hope to visit when I'm able.
The claim that he's "awaiting certification by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums" is interesting, given a place has to be open for a full year before they can even apply. My concern with this place is how many species will there be, vs color morphs and whatnot from the captive industry? Otherwise, he seems very dedicated.
I'm personally excited to see this place open. From Ty Park's instagram, this place is showing some real dedication to their reptiles and have some of the best herp set-ups I've seen built for a public zoo. I'm also excited that someone with such care, knowledge, and dedication is aiming to build the world's largest reptile zoo. His collection looks superb as well, with a large assortment of Cuora turtles, Perentie, a massive Komodo Dragon, and Ricord's Iguana! The latter he's posted photos of new hatchlings recently and has already constructed a superb enclosure for. ~Thylo
Can you link his instagram? I can't find it, but I would really like to follow it for more pictures. I will try to make it to them sometime in the not too distant future.
Any idea if he has Cuban or Cayman Iguanas? *EDIT* never mind, I found the pictures on Instagram. He has both Cuban and Cayman Blue Iguanas.
On second look it seems the Cayman Blue are hybrids, but he implies in some posts he might have non-hybrids, so I don't know: Login • Instagram He mentions having Cubans Iguanas and "sister island hybrids" in this post: Login • Instagram
The post doesn't say "sister island hybrids", he says in the comments he has actual Cyclura nubila caymanensis ~Thylo
Wow, you are right! Boy did I read that wrong! "Yes, we have plenty of rhino iguanas, lewisi hybrids, Cuban iguanas and sister island iguanas on hand" Now I really need to make it down there to see this place.
In a recent post he said only the Anegada and Ricord's Iguanas are on-exhibit, but hopefully that changes! ~Thylo