THE ENQUIRER (Battle Creek, Michigan) 11 January 08 Rescuing animals, economy (Justin A. Hinkley)
Athens: Athens Township will have some scaly new residents and a potential economic boon following Thursday's approval of an alligator sanctuary site plan.
The Athens Township Planning Commission at its regular meeting unanimously approved the site plan for the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary & Zoological Park.
The park, expected to open in May, will cover four of 16.6 acres at 1698 M-66, just north of the village. Arranged like any other zoo, visitors will browse through several holding ponds of alligators, snakes, frogs, turtles and more.
The Gator Run Gift Shop already is up and running at the site, housing clothes and souvenirs and some small animals, to give residents a preview of the sanctuary's attractions.
The park is the brainchild of Pennfield Township resident David Critchlow, who has housed rescued reptiles and amphibians in his home for almost a decade. The park, he said, will allow him to take on more animals while also educating the public about conservation.
"I'm very pleased and relieved by the positive response," Critchlow said of the approval. "We're just anxious to get going."
Critchlow presented a five-year plan to the commission, saying he expects two alligator ponds and the tortoise display within the first year.
The alligator ponds include a 100-by-180-foot pond for medium crocodilians (about 3 to 5 feet in length) and an 80-by-95-foot pond for larger alligators. These ponds will be protected with two layers of fence, the inner layer including an inward-inclined lip preventing the animals from climbing out. Special viewing areas with bulletproof glass will allow closer viewing.
"The safety of the animals is number one, as well as the safety of the public and my staff," Critchlow told the commission.
Other ponds for smaller alligators and caimans, as well as other reptile and amphibian displays, are planned in future seasons.
Education will be a primary goal, Critchlow said, with daily events allowing visitors get close to and learn about the animals. He also plans to work closely with Binder Park Zoo and visit schools.
Eric Tobin, a consultant for Critchlow and also economic development consultant for the village of Athens and Athens Township, said the park would be a valued asset toward the area's prosperity.
"This really sets Athens up as a destination," he said. "It's going to increase traffic through the area and that's always an opportunity for local businesses to sell."
In 2006, Critchlow tried to build the sanctuary off of S Drive North in Convis Township, but residents there worried about increased vehicle traffic and animals escaping. Critchlow stopped that project and instead decided to build at the M-66 site, where traffic already is high.
Rescuing animals, economy