CrocTalk Turns to Crowdfunding to Help Save the Business

A troubled Kelowna business is working to raise money to re-open its doors and secure a business licence and has turned to crowdfunding for help.

Photo Credit: CrocTalk

Doug Illman is the Director of Operations for CrocTalk Conservation and Rescue, a business that has seen its share of trouble over the years. The zoo was established in 2002 and promotes conservation efforts for crocodiles, African wild cats, tortoises and more. But the Zoo was closed in January 2015 after problems arose due to issues surrounding Illman’s business licence.

As a result, the zoo needs to be moved to a new location to house and care for the animals in their possession and Illman is now hoping to raise $15,000 for the move. According to the Indiegogo campaign launched by CrocTalk, they need move from the current 1,700 square foot facility to a new building that is up to 5,000 square feet in size.

Doug Illman with one of his crocodiles (Photo Credit: CrocTalk)

If the funding is successful and the move can occur, CrocTalk will most likely be able to obtain the additional permits needed to open a permanent facility. Illman has turned to online fundraising as he is not able to raise the money in Kelowna since his business licence has not been renewed.

According to Greg Wise, City of Kelowna Bylaw Services Manager, CrocTalk has gone through two temporary use permits and cannot apply for another one.

“There is a limitation that occurs under the local government act and we can’t extend more than two temporary use permits at any one property,” explained Wise. “What has happened unfortunately in that time frame is CrocTalk has been unsuccessful in finding another site that they have been able to afford, so they can operate within a legal zoning location.”

Photo Credit: CrocTalk

When the second temporary permit licence expired in June 2014 the business licence also expired with it. Wise goes on to say that in no way does the City want CrocTalk to leave Kelowna, and they are willing to work with them when they find a suitable property. Once that happens Wise says they will re-entertain the idea of issuing a business licence and then they could be operating the zoo again, legally.

According to Illman, if CrocTalk does not raise the money he needs to move the business his animals could be destroyed.

Photo Credit: CrocTalk

“The main risk, if this campaign is not successful is that we will lose our alternative premises and our animals will be seized by the authorities and possibly destroyed,” says the Indiegogo campaign.

The animals are still on site of the former business but CrocTalk is not currently allowed to show them to anyone or work as a business in Kelowna. If you would like to learn more about the crowdfunding campaign or donate visit the Indiegogo website.