When Karel Fortyn, a Czech native who emigrated to Welland, Ontario in 1982, died unexpectedly of a heart attack in early May at the age of 52, local authorities were stumped about what to do with Mr. Fortyn's 200 reptiles since he failed to leave a last will and testament. Mr. Fortyn had separated from his common law partner of 27 years last year, which under Canadian law leaves his brother, who still lives in the Czech Republic, as his sole intestate heir.
Mr. Fortyn set up the "Seaway Serpentarium" in 1982 in a local mall after he arrived in Welland with two crates of venomous snakes. After a short stint at the mall, Mr. Fortyn relocated the Seaway Serpentarium to his home and over the years he accumulated some 200 reptiles, including snakes, lizards and several large crocodiles.
The Welland Humane Society has stepped in to take care of the reptiles until a permanent home is located for them. Since Mr. Fortyn's brother is technically the owner of the reptiles, he is working with a local estate lawyer, Margaret Hoy, to find a suitable home. His one request: It would be nice to keep the gang together -- all 200 of them.