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Alligator sanctuary now open
JUSTIN A. HINKLEY • THE ENQUIRER • MAY 30, 2008
ATHENS — It's a park in progress, but it's open, and its toothy attractions are loving it.
With a permanent fence erected on three sides, a temporary fence on the fourth and two temporary exhibits in place,
the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary & Zoological Gardens has announced its "construction opening."
About two dozen American alligators — ranging from two- to seven-footers — lounged in a pond Thursday or bathed
in the sun in a double-fenced enclosure. Nearby, four sulcata tortoises gnawed on hay and made quick sprints
through their own home.
Owner David Critchlow of Pennfield Township said construction, done mostly by volunteers and Critchlow himself, will
continue through June. A new, permanent enclosure will be installed to separate the large gators from the small and
the current enclosure will be expanded. The temporary fence will be moved back as more of Critchlow's roughly 40
species of reptiles and amphibians are brought from indoor enclosures into the park. Currently, the park covers about
two acres. When finished it will cover about four, Critchlow said.
"There's going to be a lot of shifting, a lot of moving around over the next 30 days," he said.
Eric Tobin, Critchlow's consultant and community development consultant for both Athens and Athens Township, said
he expects the park to be in full swing by the village's homecoming festival on July 25.
"This just adds to the whole experience of Calhoun County," Tobin said. "It's especially great for the people here in
Athens."
Even in the interim, Critchlow said the animals are living large in their new home. Critchlow has for several years
operated a sanctuary out of his home. All animals at the park were abandoned or confiscated from often abusive
conditions around the country.
"Some of these animals have never even seen sunlight," Critchlow said. "My house was good, but this is even better.
Just watching them swim and they're calm and relaxed, that's something they've never had. They're extremely happy."
Justin A. Hinkley can be reached at 966-0698 or jhinkley@battlecr.gannett.com.
In your voice
READ REACTIONS TO THIS STORY
sybilmpd wrote:
I think it's really cool. These poor animals had no chance and he is doing his best to give them as natural an
environment as possible. I think if he had gone out and bought all of them to make this park, I would be really upset.
But since he has rescued them, I think it is an excellent opportunity to educate and inform the public about these
animals. He can also use this as a learning tool as to why these animals don't always make the best pets. I know that I
can't wait to take my nephews out there to see this place.
kokopeli20 wrote:
Why would you say it looks cheesy ( I know you won't be the last comic standing). I think that guy has spent a lot of
money to bring this attraction here. Give him a chance. It's something different, and I think the families of the
surrounding areas are going to enjoy it. Where else can you see those kinds of animals other than Fla. And you
certainly can't go to Fla. for $4 apiece.
The article says temporay fence, maybe the permanent one won't look so cheesy to you. I hope you don't live near
the Nattawasippi or they will be coming after you if they get loose.
5/30/2008 10:59:15 AM
MatthewDavis wrote:
If the alligators get loose and start terrorizing the residents of Athens there is no need to worry. Obama can sit down
with the alligators, talk with them and tell them to go back to their enclosures.
5/30/2008 10:02:38 AM
AHS55 wrote:
Maybe the BCPD will come and do some "training" for the residents of the village, in case some of these alligators get
loose, and start eating small pets, and maybe attacking someone. Be aware ,you residents who live on the
Nottawaseppe, which is just a short walk(or crawl if you are an alligator) from this location. The enclosure housing
these "wild animals", looks a little cheesy, at least viewed from M66! Just a little humor to start the day!
• WHAT: Live gators, tortoises and other animals on display.
• WHEN: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
• WHERE: Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary & Zoological Gardens, 1698 M-66, Athens Township.
• HOW MUCH: ages 2 and under are free 3-13 $4.00 and adults 14-54 $6.00
Military are free, military family members are only $1.00.
• INFORMATION: For more information, call the sanctuary at 729-4802 or visit www.alligatorsanctuary.com
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