Safari Jeff Gets a Winnipeg Slap on the Wrist
Safari Jeff, a “reptile whisperer” with a travelling exhibit of cold-blooded creatures, was fined by the city after bringing his tour to the Kildonan Place Shopping Centre in Winnipeg Manitoba.
Jeff McKay, the man behind the “Safari Jeff” character, and his scaly friends made their appearance from August 9 to 12 to the warm welcome of Winnipeg locals. Unfortunately, his educational exhibit violated the city’s bylaws prohibiting the use of exotic animals in travelling shows and circuses.
He received a $1500 fine and was told his use of lizards, turtles, and snakes in his show violated the city’s 2013 bylaw. Peter Katz, McKay’s manager, said the performer had tried to contact the city about the new bylaws but had not received any phone calls from them to verify that it would impact his local appearance.
Winnipeg’s Chief Operating Officer, Gordon Leland, stated that officers were acting on a complaint and had no choice but to enforce the bylaw. "Smaller travelling shows like this using exotic animals, different types of exotic animals, there is no permit that can be issued for that," he said. There are certain rules for travelling with animals that must be followed.
The Winnipeg Humane Society shed light on the reason behind the bylaw, stating that reptiles require a standard of care that a travelling exhibition can’t provide. Javier Schwersensky, CEO for the Society stated reptile species needed to kept separate, travel be limited, and given a certain amount of space to thrive.
“It is important to acknowledge that exotic animals are not prepared to be shown in a mail or fair, even if Mr. McKay and others have the best intentions and provide the best they can to care for them,” Schwersensky stated.
McKay said he didn’t think he’d be able to return to Winnipeg. "I would [be] more than thrilled to come back to the city…but after bylaw informed [me] that they could fine me for each and every animal, I could not take that chance."
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