Via Community News Service, a VTSU-Castleton internship, for the Rutland Herald
RUTLAND — After years of traveling to community events and local schools, an aquatics and reptile business has found itself a permanent home in Rutland.
Captain Aquatics Fins & Scales hosted a grand opening of their educational exhibit on April 10.
The permanent exhibit will showcase more than 100 species of aquatic animals, reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can expect to learn about the animals and interact firsthand.
For owner Alex Knapp, the business has always been a passion project.
“I’ve been an enthusiast of aquatic (animals) and reptiles most of my life. As I got closer to being able to be at the point in my life that I might actually be able to start doing things with it, I started getting more involved in the industry, and I started seeing the kind of things that people really need, the resources that people really need,” he said.
Knapp said that he didn’t want to open just a pet store but instead give owners or those learning the tools they need through education on improper care, various visible conditions and overall basic knowledge.
“They can expect to see all the animals. We’re going to have information on there. I’m a very hands-on learner myself; that’s how we learn best,” he said. “If you come in, you can expect to not only see the animals, (but to) have the opportunity to hold almost any animal that we have.”
On display is a stingray, a Goliath birdeater tarantula — the world’s largest species of tarantula — iguanas, and Sulcata tortoises, the largest mainland tortoise species in the world.
In addition to the exhibit, a small supply store and rehabilitation services are also available.
Leading up to the grand opening, Captain Aquatics was partially open with the store and appointments only to visit with the animals. Employee Olivia Williams said that alone has been enough to draw up community interest.
“I think we’re really going to bring the community together. We really are so excited to create a positive experience and environment with reptiles because there’s so much misinformation spread and so much fear. I think this is going to be a really great opportunity for people to come and have good experiences, and they can learn,” she said.
The business also celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, of which they are a new member.
Matt Britt, the chamber’s communications and marketing manager, commented on the business’ positive impact.
“(Knapp’s) enthusiasm is really special,” he said. “It was neat that he’s not a pet store, but that his focus is very much on the health of these animals and those that have been rescued to be put back out for adoption, so that they find a good home.”
Looking at the future of the store and exhibit, Knapp said he’s excited to be a local source for supplies and education. He also said that he’s looking forward to increasing the rescue program.
“I’m also looking forward to what we’re going to be calling ‘Friday Night Wild.’ The goal is, on Fridays, we will do some kind of show each week on various topics, or it might be more specific — a species spotlight, where I bring out one animal and just really talk about that animal,” he said.
Williams said the exhibit is a great experience for anyone interested, adding, “just give it a chance and it’ll be worth it.”
“I’m hoping to be able to bring together a lot of people that have the same interest because this is something I love doing. I love talking to people about it,” Knapp said.
Captain Aquatics Fins & Scales is open Tuesday-Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Find more info at www.captainafs.com.