Crocs feel bite of budget cutsExhibit to be dismantled By Andy Paras (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Monday, June 30, 2008
Video
Cypress Gardens, which houses what is considered to be the most diverse public collection of crocodilians in the world, is dismantling the collection as a result of Berkeley County Council budget cuts. Watch » 
Andy Paras Sam Seashole, the attending veterinarian at Cypress Gardens, examines one of two West African dwarf crocodiles that were hatched at the Berkeley County-owned park about two years ago. Most of the crocodiles and exotic animals are leaving the park because of budget cuts. MONCKS CORNER — They don't know it yet but the two dozen crocodiles at Cypress Gardens have little reason to smile these days. What is widely considered to be the most diverse public collection of crocodiles in the world will be dismantled in the coming weeks as most of the animals will be shipped separately to exhibits across the Southeast. Their fate was sealed June 23 when Berkeley County Council approved nearly $400,000 in cuts to the park's annual budget with no discussion about the crocodiles. "There's not a lot of pity for animals like this," said Sam Seashole, attending veterinarian at the county-owned park. It's somber news to Seashole and a staff that has worked over the past eight years to make the park's Crocodile Isle and reptile house exhibits what they are today. The crocodile exhibits were praised by experts from across the country in March, when the park played host to officials from some of the country's largest animal attractions, including Disney's Animal Kingdom. Now the Cypress Gardens staff is working to ensure that the animals will get the same treatment somewhere else. Seashole said he's found homes for many of the animals but it's a struggle because most facilities lack the space and resources necessary to provide the specialized care the animals require. "If we had a lot of little fuzzy things you'd have a whole bunch of people wanting to give them a place to go, but crocs are a different story," he said. He's taking particular care to keep many of the pairs together because the animals that breed share a special bond, and introducing a new partner could have fatal consequences. Seashole saved many of the animals from being euthanized after their first home, a farm in Florida, shut down years ago. He said none of the animals will be euthanized this time, either. "Absolutely not," he said. "That's not going to happen. Not while I'm breathing." County officials say the cuts were necessary because the park has been hemorrhaging money for years. The county recently satisfied a $3.5 million debt the park accumulated through June 2007 and it still has to address about $653,000 in losses from 2008. County Supervisor Dan Davis has said that eliminating most of the exotic animal exhibits and shifting staff to other departments will cut the annual costs at the park to about $270,000. While some of the changes are still being discussed, county officials say the park's boats, butterfly house and aquarium will help keep the park an attraction for the thousands of school children who visit every year. Crocodile Isle, where many of the crocodiles sun themselves year-round — including a pair of rare, narrow-nosed Tomistoma crocodiles from Southeast Asia — will be replaced with either a garden or reception area for the many weddings that occur at the park on weekends. The reptile center, home to more crocodiles, exotic animals and some animals indigenous to the area, will either be moved into the aquarium or sent somewhere else. A large anaconda on display in the reptile center is headed for the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia while a large Galapagos turtle is going to Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach, Seashole said. Dwight Williams, director of Cypress Gardens, said the reptile house will either become home to more events and gatherings or for some of the thousands of slave artifacts recently recovered from the new DuPont project on property adjacent to the park. The park also received some good news this year when Google expressed interest in building a sewer line nearby within the next two years. That could help the park grow beyond its current, limited septic capacity. As for Seashole, his contract expires today. His understanding that is the animals need to be out by the end of July. Seashole said they're proud of the care the animals received at Cypress Gardens and will make sure they get the best care at their new homes, wherever that might be. "Decisions have been made that I have to abide by," he said. "I've kept these guys safe for a lot of years and I'll continue to do so." Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 32 comment(s)
Posted by jeff61 on June 30, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a Croc, they should find a way to keep those animals. Th county seems to have no problem providing funding to another group of animals
Posted by BobH1962 on June 30, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Again Berkeley County Council shows its ignorance and uncaring attitude towards the public. It seems that they failed to mention that the exhibits that these alligators are in will be covered over with wooden decking so that the space can be rented out in hopes of bring in additional revenue or that visitors could be charged for the educational swamp boat ride. Well let's just go to Cypress Gardens and see the outdoor decks. Who voted these people into office????? Instead of cutting the budget to an awesome tourist attraction, cut their salaries as it is obvious that they are paid WAY TOO MUCH. What's next, bulldoze the butterfly house to expand the parking lot?
Posted by majorjohnson on June 30, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It lost over $600,000 just last year jeff. I know you think that's just play money since it comes from taxes, but it was real money before it came out of someones household budget. How about you go sink YOUR $600,000 into it so the pretty crocs have a place to live and a doctor and someone feeding them. The real croc is that they ever came up with that goofy idea in the first place.
Posted by jeff61 on June 30, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
From some of your other posts I have seen you seem to have no problem throwing money at other useless social programs, why not this one.
Posted by jeff61 on June 30, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sure the county is being drained well over this amount by illegal aliens. I am willing to bet these Crocs came into the country legally and they have not taken a job from anyone or committed any crimes.
Posted by bookworm on June 30, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a shame...Crocs are fascinating animals and I regret that I haven't been out to Cypress Gardens to experience the exhibit. I'm glad to know that they will be taken care of.
Posted by majorjohnson on June 30, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You haven't seen any of my posts if you think I'm an advocate of using tax dollars for social programs.
Posted by smalltownrumor on June 30, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Dr. Seashole for the treatment he has received. This entire situation is a disgrace and the people of Berkeley County should be ashamed of themselves for standing by and letting it happen. Firing Dr. Seashole and getting rid of this exhibit are only the first steps to a prearranged end....the demise of Cypress Gardens as we know it. But, who should be surprised. The same mentality that wants to rid the county of this valuable public treasure has brought us a 30% increase in the water and sewer fees, no new industry in the county in almost two years, the loss of 29% of our property tax relief, and the proposal of yet another Local Option Sales Tax. Congratulations to those who couldn't seem to abide prosperity and voted for a change in Berkeley County. It appears to me that you have gotten exactly what you requested.
Posted by jeff61 on June 30, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have seen these Crocs and I would not consider them pretty, but is just of a matter of opinion
Posted by ChasGirl77 on June 30, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Children and families go to Cypress Gardens to see reptiles and amphibians not butterflies and fish. Thanks a lot Dan Davis for ruining yet another great thing Berkeley County had to offer. Guess I'll taking my kids elsewhere to enjoy nature. Oh yeah and on top of this Cypress Gardens has had to raise entrance fees and start charging for boats...lets just change the name of place to the Little White Wedding Chapel because thats all its good for now.
PS Thank you Dr Sam for all your dedicated hard work at Cypress.
Posted by shoelaces on June 30, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A sewer pipe can be installed in a truly beautiful scenic habitat but we can't drill for oil in a barren wasteland in Anwr?????? Maybe we need these Berkeley legislators overseeing drilling oil.
I think it is a shame too but allegedly times are tough for everyone. I have lived here all my life and never been to Cypress Gardens. Although I didn't know crocodiles and galapagos turtles were native to the region :)
Posted by JAMJOH on June 30, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
if your that concerned about your children seeing these "beautiful" crocs, why don't you flip to discovery channel and watch these things rip apart zebras and baby gazelles, instead of paying money to watch them lay there and do nothing.
Posted by jeff61 on June 30, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Didn't Steve Irwin visit this park. Maybe his foundation can help pay for the Crocs to stay.
Posted by JAMJOH on June 30, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
if your that concerned about your children seeing these "beautiful" crocs, why don't you flip to discovery channel and watch these things rip apart zebras and baby gazelles, instead of paying money to watch them lay there and do nothing.
Maybe if Cypress Gardens was to put zebras and baby gazelles in there with the Crocs that would generate enough money for them to Stay.
Posted by pygmon on June 30, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Run 'em across the road and turn 'em loose at the boat ramp. Let nature take its course. Who knows...maybe some fascinating hybrid Croc-o-gator will develop that grows to 21 feet long. Then the state can grossly underestimate its population numbers allowing them to spiral out of control for decades.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 30, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jeff 61-I'm with you man.Throw some baby gazelles in there.I'd be willing to pay to see that!Ramp up the excitement factor
Posted by tc1 on June 30, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I live near Cypress Gardens on the river. We already have way to many alligators here. Yes, they were here first and NO I am not leaving. For the most part we avoid each other but more then one pet has gone on their menu.
Everything I have ever read about crocs is that they are much more aggressive. I have always worried that hurricane or accidental damage could release these non native species to our area. Exhibits of non native exotic species should never be placed so close to habitat they could thrive in if they escape.
Cypress Gardens is a beautiful place and I am sure the custodians are dedicated and hard working people. There is more then enough natural wonder and beauty there without going "off" to find more. Why this "awsome tourist attraction" can't support itself is a good question. Xbox, PS3, WII...??
Cypress Gardens is not a necessary government service/expense and IMO should not be part of any excuse to raise taxes. If anyone feels strongly enough about it they should pay for it from their own pocket the same as they would any other recreational activity.
Posted by drp7773 on June 30, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Throw the scum that is stealing gas from boats in with the big crocks then when he yells tell him we will be right there just as soon as we can fill up the boat with gas to come get him....
Posted by jeff61 on June 30, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not think the Crocs caused a $653,000 loss. Maybe all the reptile center and other exotic animals need to be moved out as well. Looks as if the county can make more $$$ renting the place for weddings. Maybe the Tucans that came up missing embezzeld this money.
Posted by eatmorecollards on June 30, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That would really be nice if they got into the wild and bred with the native alligators and became crockagators like some of the hybrid fish have done. If that happened perhaps they would be so aggressive that no one would go to our wild areas for risk of being being eaten. Then our wild areas could remain unspoiled.
Posted by KidYendor on June 30, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe someone with some pull can organize a Cypress Gardens tailgating party for Charleston.netters to meet and greet and then go in to paddle and support the place and make donations thereby lessening the demands on the Berkeley County taxpayer. We can't tailgate in Charleston so Berkeley County will do. Beware of wild animals as we cook our meats.
Posted by Smart_Enough_2_Know_Better on June 30, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There ain't much to see in Berkeley County in the first place, now there will be even less. The short-sightedness of county “leadership” never ceases to amaze me. While I agree that tax dollars should not pay for the crocs, I do believe the county had a vested interest in getting a bit more creative in keeping the exhibit alive.
I’m guessing that Cypress Gardens is one of- if not the- top tourist attraction in the Monck's Corner area. Apparently unbeknownst to county leaders, that little something called "tourism" can actually feed the county's coffers. Every time I go to Cypress Gardens I eat lunch and/or dinner somewhere near the Gardens. While I’m there I often fill up my gas tank since it’s cheaper than where I live. And depending on my mood, I might even do a little shopping in the area as well. There are 40,000+ visitors to the Gardens each year, doing much of the same thing I do, most of whom come in from out of the county. I bet some of them stay at local hotels. Do you really want to threaten this source of revenue for county? Shouldn’t you really be trying to increase the money & development coming in to your tax district??
Increase the entrance fee. Offer sponsorships. (Google would have been one of my first sponsor targets.) As others have suggested, partner with a foundation. Set it up as a learning lab and partner with a university. Establish a board to do fundraising. Do something, anything- just find a way to not only keep but also enhance tourism in Berkeley County.
This is a big step in the wrong direction.
Posted by faelady on June 30, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's sad to see this happen - I have gone on field trips with my son's class and they always thought the reptiles were the coolest part of the trip! I realize that sometimes things have to change, but Cypress Gardens is more than a wedding gazebo - it's sad to see this educational element going away. The biggest reason people don't appreciate these animals (and reptiles in general) is lack of education and we're taking more away by moving these animals.
Posted by eatmorecollards on June 30, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Could that crocodile found swimming in the IOP surf a few weeks ago be one of those crocs?
Posted by oldglory on June 30, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LMAO @ CB
Sure that's a croc pot rather than a crack pot?? And is that a whole lot of croc you are feeding us?
Posted by tc1 on June 30, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who knows. We do know it was from "off". :)
Someone earlier noted increased costs for water & sewer and other things with a new administrator so we got "exactly what you requested". I admit I voted for the prior administrator. However, it appears to me that all these increases came about from decisions of the prior administration. The new one hasn't had time to cause us pain, YET!
Posted by pygmon on June 30, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tastes like chicken.
Posted by blacks on June 30, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I moved out of the Moncks Corner area almost a decade ago, but I remember fondly going out to Cypress Gardens, and watching the Crocs warm themselves on the banks. I am very saddened to see them go. As a mother, I love to bring my children back to share in what hopefully will one day be wonderful memories of the gardens. I'm sorry to see that being taken away. The gardens, and all the creatures in it make it a beautiful part of the low country.
Posted by Smart_Enough_2_Know_Better on June 30, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
After reading some of the comments in this forum I've changed my mind. Maybe it is better that they move the crocs out of Monck's Corner/Berkeley county, just in case stupid is contagious and it starts to affect their caretakers. I'd rather they be safely living in Columbia or Myrtle Beach than stuck in a county populated largely by ingnorant trailer park trash that doesn't understand the value of the teaching and tourism that the exhibit brought.
Good luck to you idiots- I'll honk as I pass through on my to the Riverbanks Zoo.
Posted by tomtomdumdum on June 30, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Burtdogg you are stupid! When you are laying in your bed at midnight and you hear a noise outside you are the one who calls 911 about a prowler and the off duty police office who happens to be in the area from working a part time job guarding a construction site so people dont steal everything they have [This is done so he can pay his bills] happens to be in the area and comes to you and your wife and kids rescue. Like i said, You are stupid!
Posted by Pinckney on July 1, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe the county can store more 'low level nuclear waste' here. Who wouldn't want more of that?
Posted by jeff61 on July 1, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by tomtomdumdum on June 30, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Burtdogg you are stupid! When you are laying in your bed at midnight and you hear a noise outside you are the one who calls 911 about a prowler and the off duty police office who happens to be in the area from working a part time job guarding a construction site so people dont steal everything they have [This is done so he can pay his bills] happens to be in the area and comes to you and your wife and kids rescue. Like i said, You are stupid!
What does this have to with the croc being thown out on thier azzess
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on July 1, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"... just in case stupid is contagious".... that was my cackle for the day!