PANAMA CITY — If you’re making plans to start a zoo or you just want to find out how to own a pet tiger, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting an open house for you.
The FWC’s experts on captive wildlife are holding a series of meetings around the state for anyone interested in the rules and regulations of owning pets that require state-issued permits. A meeting will be held Tuesday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Panama City, 1101 U.S. 231, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
No formal presentations or forum discussions will be made during the event; instead, it’s a chance for the public to meet with captive wildlife staff and provide feedback on current rules and suggestions for future ones. The main topics for recommendations will be administration, husbandry/experience, caging and licensing.
The FWC issues permits to zoos and other organizations or businesses that exhibit large animals, as well as individuals, said spokeswoman Katie Purcell. Tigers, crocodiles, rhinos and primates fall into class one or class two, and the FWC has issued more than 200 class one and class two permits statewide, Purcell said.
But before you start tiger shopping, be prepared to jump through some hoops, she warned.
“It is possible for someone to own an animal like that, but there is a lot you would have to show,” Purcell said.
Want to go?
- What: Captive wildlife rule review public meeting
- Where: Hilton Garden Inn Panama City, 1101 U.S. 231
- When: Tuesday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.