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The Ontario Antivenin Bank was founded in 1999 by Bry Loyst and Rue Calton. The purpose of this (non-profit) incorporated organization is to provide a reliable source of many kinds of antivenin for the sole purpose of saving human lives. It is not the role of the Bank to monitor the keeping of venomous reptiles by professionals or amateurs. It is a fact that there are very high numbers of a wide variety of venomous reptiles kept in captivity in almost every community in Ontario and across Canada. The objective of the Bank is to acquire and maintain antivenom for as many venomous reptiles as possible. The Bank makes antivenin available for emergency purposes to hospitals as required. If you wish to help us keep a supply of antivenom on hand, please mail your donation of a min $50.00 per person min $250.00 for business, zoo or animal facility. Ontario Antivenin Bank This can be strictly confidential if you wish -- you do not have to include your name or address! Simply send a money order and include a 12 digit number that you make up on the top of the money order. It would be very helpful for the bank if you included a list of species that you are keeping. (This is not a requirement but will assist the bank in ordering antivenin that is needed the most in this province.) In a few weeks' time, phone the Curator of the Indian River Reptile Zoo at (705) 639-1443, and tell him the 12 digit number. You will be told what antivenin is in stock and what is going to be ordered. You will be given a pager number that is for use in case of a snake bite emergency. You can also donate to the bank in other ways (not confidential.) You may pay by cheque or money order, and have your name or the name of your business or zoo added to the list of antivenin bank supporters that will be posted at the bottom of this page. There are no accurate records of snake bites in Ontario for non-native snakes, but it is estimated that there are 7 - 10 bites by exotic venomous snakes in this province annually. To date there is only one recorded death from a venomous snake bite in Canada from someone's pet snake. Links: Florida Antivenom Bank |