Florida Reptile Breeder Keeps License After State Tried To Eliminate It

Taesoon Ty Park, a well known Florida reptile breeder whose license was not renewed after two monitor lizards apparently escaped and injured two dogs, got his license back after a judge ruled that the lizards escaped not because of Park, but because the enclosure that the reptiles were housed in had a design flaw that even the FWC state inspector missed.

The FWC initially argued that the number of invasive species captured near Park’s facility was more than what was typical for the landscape and claimed Park was responsible. The administrative hearing judge disagreed with the prosecution’s assertion.

Park, who initially started out as an iguana and monitor lizard breeder, is now converting his facility into an education and research facility.

“The FWC was reacting to the invasive exotic reptile problem we have in Florida,” Park’s lawyer, John Haymans said in an email to the Sun Port Charlotte. “As sometimes happens, their initial denial of the renewal of Mr. Park’s license was an over-reaction. The reports of captured and dead reptiles the FWC attempted to connect to Mr. Park included many that Mr. Park has never possessed. He has never been previously cited or given a warning about his caging, treatment, or escape. The two animals that did escape came from cages inspected by FWC, and were an aberration. The Administrative Hearing Judge recognized the prejudicial over-reach of the reports, and determined that the important conservation, preservation, and education work by Mr. Park and his facility should have been given greater weight by FWC. Most of the rare animals to be included in the IguanaLand Zoo cannot survive outside of a temperature controlled facility, and none of the animals are dangerous to humans. Additionally, the Zoo will have a redundant containment barrier around the facility to prevent further escapes.”