A juvenile caiman — a smaller relative of an alligator — named Javier will temporarily call the Victoria Butterfly Gardens home.
Javier is a Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, which are native to northern and central South America, according to the zoo.
The Butterfly Gardens says Javier was intercepted by Canadian authorities in a co-ordinated effort to combat wildlife trafficking.
It says the caiman was being held illegally without the necessary permits, and will live at the gardens while legal proceedings determine its future — which the organization says can take up to several years.
After being seized by federal officials as part of an animal trafficking investigation, a juvenile Cuvier’s dwarf caiman — a smaller relative of the alligator — named Javier has taken up residence at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
Cuvier’s dwarf caimans can grow up to about 152 centimetres long.
As a juvenile, Javier is currently just over 45 centimetres long and weighs nearly a pound, says Falon Lancey, animal curator at the gardens.
Lancey says Javier has adapted well to its new environment.
“He was immediately out basking, he was swimming around, he’s been eating lots and regularly,” said Lancey. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised.”
Lancey said the enclosure in which Javier is placed includes swimming space, an island to bask on, driftwood, and a variety of live plants.
A release from the gardens also says Javier will receive veterinary care, enrichment activities, and behavioural training.
Crocodilia, which include caimans, are a controlled alien species under B.C. law, meaning it is illegal to transport or own them without a special permit.
Animals like caimans are extremely difficult and expensive to properly care for, according to the gardens.
All Points West8:55Small crocodilian finds temporary home at Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Javier the Cuvier’s dwarf caiman is temporarily being cared for at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens after being confiscated by Canadian authorities. Animal curator Falon Lancey shared his story with CBC’s All Points West.
Lancey says while Javier should not have ended up in B.C., she hopes having him on display to the public will bring awareness to the dangers of keeping an exotic animal as a pet.
“When people can see something in real life, they can learn about it. They’re more inclined to care about that and to think about … how we can protect these things,” said Lancey.