boichecker
New member
Anyone have any plusses or minusses, or other info on them? They are also called Off The Ark (with exotic pets following those words).
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Off The Ark Exotic Pets INQUIRY
- Thread starter boichecker
- Start date
JCCS
Well-known member
I purchased a boa from Vinny a while back and was satisfied with the transaction. I got a beautiful snake out of it.
Chris
Chris
windycitymorphs
New member
They are good people. I bought a pair of Cape York Spotted Pythons off them in March. Everything went smoothly, and they are eating machines.
Dennis Hultman
New member
viandy
New member
Unethical, sells prohibited animals
Off The Ark consistently lists reptiles for sale that are native to Virginia, and are therefore illegal to sell in Virginia. Examples are Eastern painted turtles, yellow bellied sliders, both of which are featured on his web site. A few years ago he consistently had crocodilians and I did see an ad on Kingsnake recently that he had placed for one. Crocodilians are illegal in Virginia without a permit. Only two places have a permit, Luray reptile zoo and the Virginia Marine science museum. There is a grandfather clause to this, but it only allows for ones owned previous to the ban, it must be renewed every year, and is not transferable. Virginia has not statewide laws concerning venomous, that is regulated by locality. This store is located in Chesterfield County which does not allow the ownership or sale of venomous reptiles or arthropods. I have read the ordinance and it specifically mentions Boiga. When they have had Mangrove snakes I asked about that and was told that they're colubrids. Yes, they are colubrids, but at his "summer camp" one of the activities is LD50 tests on mice with mangrove snake venom. On the website there's listed "Reasons to come by the shop: Weekly venomous demonstrations". Don't know exactly what that entails, but it certainly is an acknoledgement of having venomous reptiles.
Several years ago I worked for a private breeder in Richmond where the facility was not open to the public. At one point high school age kids started coming by and asking if we could give them a tour and something to prove they had been by. I showed one or two around and ask why they had come by. They told me it was extra credit for a science class at school. They class was taught by Vinny Ferraiolo (sp?). I phoned the school and was able to speak with him. I explained that we were a closed facility and weren't open to the general public. He mentioned that a few of his students had come through. I told him that was an exception, and I would appreciate his not using us as part of his class. He replied that they must have misunderstood, he mentioned us because we had such quality animals, but never said anything about going by or extra credit. I asked him if he would reiterate to his classes that we were not open to the public. Within a week a student came by with sheet of extra credit activities that Vinny handed out in class. One of the items was to visit our facility. It said it was difficult to get in, because it was closed to the public, but whoever was able to visit would get extra credit. It was a preprinted class handout, not a misunderstood remark.
As you can see I do not recommend supporting Off the Ark. While some of the above relies on my memory of events from a few years ago, the selling of Virginia native species can be easily verified by a visit to his web site.
Andy Via
Off The Ark consistently lists reptiles for sale that are native to Virginia, and are therefore illegal to sell in Virginia. Examples are Eastern painted turtles, yellow bellied sliders, both of which are featured on his web site. A few years ago he consistently had crocodilians and I did see an ad on Kingsnake recently that he had placed for one. Crocodilians are illegal in Virginia without a permit. Only two places have a permit, Luray reptile zoo and the Virginia Marine science museum. There is a grandfather clause to this, but it only allows for ones owned previous to the ban, it must be renewed every year, and is not transferable. Virginia has not statewide laws concerning venomous, that is regulated by locality. This store is located in Chesterfield County which does not allow the ownership or sale of venomous reptiles or arthropods. I have read the ordinance and it specifically mentions Boiga. When they have had Mangrove snakes I asked about that and was told that they're colubrids. Yes, they are colubrids, but at his "summer camp" one of the activities is LD50 tests on mice with mangrove snake venom. On the website there's listed "Reasons to come by the shop: Weekly venomous demonstrations". Don't know exactly what that entails, but it certainly is an acknoledgement of having venomous reptiles.
Several years ago I worked for a private breeder in Richmond where the facility was not open to the public. At one point high school age kids started coming by and asking if we could give them a tour and something to prove they had been by. I showed one or two around and ask why they had come by. They told me it was extra credit for a science class at school. They class was taught by Vinny Ferraiolo (sp?). I phoned the school and was able to speak with him. I explained that we were a closed facility and weren't open to the general public. He mentioned that a few of his students had come through. I told him that was an exception, and I would appreciate his not using us as part of his class. He replied that they must have misunderstood, he mentioned us because we had such quality animals, but never said anything about going by or extra credit. I asked him if he would reiterate to his classes that we were not open to the public. Within a week a student came by with sheet of extra credit activities that Vinny handed out in class. One of the items was to visit our facility. It said it was difficult to get in, because it was closed to the public, but whoever was able to visit would get extra credit. It was a preprinted class handout, not a misunderstood remark.
As you can see I do not recommend supporting Off the Ark. While some of the above relies on my memory of events from a few years ago, the selling of Virginia native species can be easily verified by a visit to his web site.
Andy Via
hhmoore
tired & cranky shadow
Let's not forget the whole "biosphere" fiasco - in which teacher Vinnie claims to have found a local pet shop (Off the Ark) that was just oh so helpful. http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74494&highlight=biosphere
snakewrangler
Project Python LLC
Folks, this is straight from the book:
The Chesterfield County Ordinance, Sec.4-3, states:
"B. No person shall keep or permit to be kept on his premises any wild or exotic animal as a pet, for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This prohibition shall not apply to performing animal exhibitions, circuses, veterinary clinics, or indoor/outdoor recreation facilities which have proper zoning and licenses from the government; provided however, that no person shall exhibit or display any wild or exotic animal in a manner so that persons other that their handlers can pet, fondle or come in direct physical contact with them."
A poisonous snake is considered an wild or exotic animal by code. Therefore, it is illegal to keep or sell venomous reptiles in Chesterfield County.
The Chesterfield County Ordinance, Sec.4-3, states:
"B. No person shall keep or permit to be kept on his premises any wild or exotic animal as a pet, for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This prohibition shall not apply to performing animal exhibitions, circuses, veterinary clinics, or indoor/outdoor recreation facilities which have proper zoning and licenses from the government; provided however, that no person shall exhibit or display any wild or exotic animal in a manner so that persons other that their handlers can pet, fondle or come in direct physical contact with them."
A poisonous snake is considered an wild or exotic animal by code. Therefore, it is illegal to keep or sell venomous reptiles in Chesterfield County.
snakewrangler
Project Python LLC
I'm sorry, I forgot to add that this was a quote from the Manager of Chesterfield County Animal Control.
David_Means
Formerly go_topless
I've been in Off The Ark, the cages are not clean at all, the store smells really bad, and he has copperheads and cottonmouths on display in the store. Most of the animals looked sick and underweight.
snakewrangler
Project Python LLC
This has been reported to the county.
viandy
New member
Off the Ark is worse than I thought!!
From my first post you could tell I was no fan of Off the Ark Exotic Pets. I listed their illegal sale of native reptiles, their illegal sale of venomous reptiles, the owner lying to me about what he told his students, and that he encouraged his students to use subterfuge to earn better grades. Now that I've read the thread HHMoore posted about Vinny's planned "biosphere, (http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/for...light=biosphere), I am even more sickened by his lack of ethics. To say that he "found" Off the Ark as a good store to buy supplies at is insulting. He founded it, he didn't stumble across it. Despite what the newspaper article says he had an operating storefront for several years as "Off the Ark", sold it to someone, and then bought it back. I believe the newspaper article is referring to his regaining ownership as the founding date of the store. I went to the store shortly after it opened with a friend to see what it was like. I'll do that for most pet stores, especially if they say they specialize in reptiles. I can't give an exact date for this, but I haven't spoken to that (now former) friend for over two years, so the 2006 date is bogus. At my previous job I regularly saw and conversed with an employee of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and often complained about Off the Ark's business practices. I left that job in November of 2005, again placing the date before the March 2006 opening date claimed in the article.
When I read through the thread and realized his lack of regard for the advice he asked for and his disinterest in the well being of the animals that he was planning on keeping I truly felt sickened. I am glad that I have never supported the store in any way and I hope that the many reptile keepers who obey the law aren't harmed by the flagrant disregard it shows for both state and local ordinances.
From my first post you could tell I was no fan of Off the Ark Exotic Pets. I listed their illegal sale of native reptiles, their illegal sale of venomous reptiles, the owner lying to me about what he told his students, and that he encouraged his students to use subterfuge to earn better grades. Now that I've read the thread HHMoore posted about Vinny's planned "biosphere, (http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/for...light=biosphere), I am even more sickened by his lack of ethics. To say that he "found" Off the Ark as a good store to buy supplies at is insulting. He founded it, he didn't stumble across it. Despite what the newspaper article says he had an operating storefront for several years as "Off the Ark", sold it to someone, and then bought it back. I believe the newspaper article is referring to his regaining ownership as the founding date of the store. I went to the store shortly after it opened with a friend to see what it was like. I'll do that for most pet stores, especially if they say they specialize in reptiles. I can't give an exact date for this, but I haven't spoken to that (now former) friend for over two years, so the 2006 date is bogus. At my previous job I regularly saw and conversed with an employee of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and often complained about Off the Ark's business practices. I left that job in November of 2005, again placing the date before the March 2006 opening date claimed in the article.
When I read through the thread and realized his lack of regard for the advice he asked for and his disinterest in the well being of the animals that he was planning on keeping I truly felt sickened. I am glad that I have never supported the store in any way and I hope that the many reptile keepers who obey the law aren't harmed by the flagrant disregard it shows for both state and local ordinances.
htsvcop
New member
mites and ticks oh my!
Hi, I also fell victim to "Off the Ark" I ordered two BRB's from them. I knew they were imports but did not expect that they would be sold to me in the shape they were. Both snakes were covered in mites and ticks and also internal parasites which tells me either the store is disgusting and/or they received no sort of treatment for internal/external parasites...I would steer clear!
Hi, I also fell victim to "Off the Ark" I ordered two BRB's from them. I knew they were imports but did not expect that they would be sold to me in the shape they were. Both snakes were covered in mites and ticks and also internal parasites which tells me either the store is disgusting and/or they received no sort of treatment for internal/external parasites...I would steer clear!
snakewrangler
Project Python LLC
Off the Ark is just a short drive from where I went to college. I am pretty familiar with the area even though I haven't been in inside the shop myself. However, he is publicly advertising mangrove snakes and false water cobras. He also has written some sort of testament to the bite severity of the false water cobra by stating that he has allowed himself to be bitten during a "summer program."
Yeah, sure, these snakes are technically colubrids. But this guy is downright irresponsible. He is also advertising Eastern Painted turtles, which means he is probably trying to make a buck off of WC native Virginia wildlife.
Andy, I did not contact VA Fish and Game. I went through Chesterfield County Animal Control. I spoke with the manager a few times yesterday and they assigned an officer to go out to the shop and investigate. If what they are advertising is true, then this guy is putting us responsible VA herpers in jeopardy.
Yeah, sure, these snakes are technically colubrids. But this guy is downright irresponsible. He is also advertising Eastern Painted turtles, which means he is probably trying to make a buck off of WC native Virginia wildlife.
Andy, I did not contact VA Fish and Game. I went through Chesterfield County Animal Control. I spoke with the manager a few times yesterday and they assigned an officer to go out to the shop and investigate. If what they are advertising is true, then this guy is putting us responsible VA herpers in jeopardy.
viandy
New member
Thanks Seth
I'm about to call Chesterfield County animal control, too. I've called different agencies before, hopefully this time will make a difference.
Oh, Off the Ark was recently advertising wholesale quantities of snapping turtles, another Virginia native. A double whammy there, you can't sell it if it's native, and you can't have more than five since it's native. Hopefully a responsible solution can be found to this situation.
Andy Via
I'm about to call Chesterfield County animal control, too. I've called different agencies before, hopefully this time will make a difference.
Oh, Off the Ark was recently advertising wholesale quantities of snapping turtles, another Virginia native. A double whammy there, you can't sell it if it's native, and you can't have more than five since it's native. Hopefully a responsible solution can be found to this situation.
Andy Via
snakewrangler
Project Python LLC
viandy
New member
Eastern Box Turtles for sale NOW
How could this fall into my lap any easier? I just saw this posted on Kingsnake.com:
I realy can't think of anything to add.
How could this fall into my lap any easier? I just saw this posted on Kingsnake.com:
Adult E Box
Posted by OFF THE ARK (Contact Me!)
September 21, 2007 at 12:55:39
Registered PetHobbyist User since 2002-11-03
View All Ads (7) | This Category Only (1)
PROVEN pairs. All females have laid eggs for us for the pat 2 years. GORGEOUS color on some males. 1 pair left. They are $80 a pair + shipping). These are between 5-7 years old and are doing excellent. Please call 804.717.2282 for CC orders or use [email protected] for paypal further questions/pics. Thak you, Vinny and Cathy.
URL: http://www.offthearkexoticpets.com
Posted by OFF THE ARK (Contact Me!)
September 21, 2007 at 12:55:39
Registered PetHobbyist User since 2002-11-03
View All Ads (7) | This Category Only (1)
PROVEN pairs. All females have laid eggs for us for the pat 2 years. GORGEOUS color on some males. 1 pair left. They are $80 a pair + shipping). These are between 5-7 years old and are doing excellent. Please call 804.717.2282 for CC orders or use [email protected] for paypal further questions/pics. Thak you, Vinny and Cathy.
URL: http://www.offthearkexoticpets.com
I realy can't think of anything to add.
bigtiger
New member
Off the Ark has always done great by me.I go there every weekend.I've picked up feeders,supplies and livestock.Vinny is a stand up guy.He tells the truth.I picked up a green annie from him and he told me it had not eaten.The snake is doing fine.As far as his animals...I have not seen anything to consider neglect.He has given me advice and is very keen on reptile needs.No matter what this board says,I will continue to go there.Vinny is a stand up guy and he TRULY cares for his animals(not only his but others)
That is my 2 cents.
That is my 2 cents.
snakewrangler
Project Python LLC
All of what you claim may be true. If you go there every weekend, you can tell us if he selling animals that are illegal to sell in Virginia.
You can sell healthy animals and be an honest person. You can break the laws of the state at the same time.
You can sell healthy animals and be an honest person. You can break the laws of the state at the same time.
viandy
New member
Big Tiger,
You seem to be missing the point of this thread. Off the Ark Exotic Pets very brazenly breaks state law by advertising and selling Virginia native species, such as Yellow bellied sliders, Eastern Painted turtles, and Eastern box turtles. He violates Chesterfield County law by displaying and selling venomous animals. If he sells a Va native herp that has been perfectly well cared for, he breaks the law. It is that simple. Do you support breaking wildlife laws, or laws in general? That is the primary thing this thread has been talking about, not how he treats animals, but that he breaks the law. This reflects badly on reptile keepers as a whole, and can bring about stricter local and state laws concerning the keeping of exotics. I am not in favor of that, and I doubt that you are either.
As for his concern for animals' well being and his standards of animal care, you need to read what Vinnie says on this thread which he initiated:
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/for...light=biosphere
He talks about having a 4'X4'X2' cage into which he'll put:
1 Tarantula, size corresponding to other animals in its "world", leopard geckos, with a heat pad in their section of the "world", collared lizards that should climb and bask, baby sulcatas and a pair of mice (adam and Eve).
If someone who proposes that cares for the welfare of animals, they are not knowledgeable of the animals' basic needs. Conversely, if they are aware of the animals' needs, they have no concern for their welfare.
Andy Via
You seem to be missing the point of this thread. Off the Ark Exotic Pets very brazenly breaks state law by advertising and selling Virginia native species, such as Yellow bellied sliders, Eastern Painted turtles, and Eastern box turtles. He violates Chesterfield County law by displaying and selling venomous animals. If he sells a Va native herp that has been perfectly well cared for, he breaks the law. It is that simple. Do you support breaking wildlife laws, or laws in general? That is the primary thing this thread has been talking about, not how he treats animals, but that he breaks the law. This reflects badly on reptile keepers as a whole, and can bring about stricter local and state laws concerning the keeping of exotics. I am not in favor of that, and I doubt that you are either.
As for his concern for animals' well being and his standards of animal care, you need to read what Vinnie says on this thread which he initiated:
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/for...light=biosphere
He talks about having a 4'X4'X2' cage into which he'll put:
1 Tarantula, size corresponding to other animals in its "world", leopard geckos, with a heat pad in their section of the "world", collared lizards that should climb and bask, baby sulcatas and a pair of mice (adam and Eve).
If someone who proposes that cares for the welfare of animals, they are not knowledgeable of the animals' basic needs. Conversely, if they are aware of the animals' needs, they have no concern for their welfare.
Andy Via
snakewrangler
Project Python LLC
Absolutely right. From the sound of this "world," he obviously doesn't have the first clue about proper husbandry.