MONROE, Wash. (AP) — A reptile zoo on Highway 2 near Monroe would like a new home for its two-headed turtle, 18-foot anaconda and other animals. But the expansion is planned for land zoned for farming, and farmers say reptiles aren’t the kind of animals they raise.
The Daily Herald reports (http://is.gd/sedk48) the county Agricultural Advisory Board opposes the rezone requested by the Washington Serpentarium. Board Vice Chairman Mark Craven says reptiles aren’t livestock.
“Reptile Man” Scott Petersen and his landlord still hope to win a favorable zoning decision from the county council.
The reptile zoo draws about 40,000 visitors a year. The planned expansion would draw four times as many visitors.