Seeking permission for wild zoo parties in the County

Photo from wildzooparty.com website

UPDATE: Motion for staff report to be completed for council.

A request to bring a wild zoo party to the County is to come before Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

Marc Cunningham, of Wild Zoo Parties, is scheduled to make a request for exemption to the County’s exotic animal bylaw to present shows in Prince Edward County. He requests an exemption for a period of time, rather than a single event.

“I have been performing these educational shows for over 10 years professionally, without incident,” he said in the deputation submitted to Shire Hall. “I have been given exemptions to bylaws in several municipalities including Hamilton and Mississauga based on the premise that I provide safe, educational shows… for schools, libraries, fairs, festivals and birthday parties.”

He notes his business, based in Belleville, carries a $5 million liability insurance he has never had to use.

Cunningham’s shows typically include tarantulas, small and large lizards and snakes, tortoises, amphibians, small exotic mammals and parrots.

“The animals that I bring to shows are all up to date on their vaccines and shots where applicable. None would be considered dangerous to humans or pose risks to native habitats or agriculture.”

The deputation did not state a specific shows or dates in the County, but stated there have been several requests from institutions, events, private businesses and individuals here.