A passionate plea for wildlife education took center stage at the Sedona City Council meeting on August 12, 2025, as local advocates for animal welfare and education voiced their concerns over proposed regulations affecting public animal displays.

Seth Byerly, a curator from Animal Haven, highlighted the transformative impact of their reptile exhibit on community engagement, particularly among children. "We haven't had a single incident with any of our animals or any people that have come to visit," he stated, emphasizing the importance of educating the public about reptiles and dispelling myths surrounding their danger. Byerly noted that their initiative is entirely free, relying on voluntary donations to support animal care, and aims to foster a respectful relationship between humans and wildlife.

The discussion turned to proposed amendments to the city code that could impose strict regulations on public animal displays, which some speakers argued could stifle educational opportunities. Mike McAllister, owner of Radical Reptile Fund, expressed concern that the language of the ordinance could inadvertently ban educational displays at schools and libraries, stating, "We support the underlying intent, but oppose some of the language because of the ordinance as written."

Community members, including James Faust and Jackie Mahaney, echoed the sentiment that education about local wildlife is crucial, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the region's reptiles. Mahaney pointed out the need for public awareness, sharing her experiences with tourists who are eager to learn about the animals they encounter.

However, not all feedback was supportive. Some attendees criticized the proposed regulations as overly restrictive, arguing that they could hinder small businesses and educational programs. Tim Perry, a local resident, passionately opposed the ordinance, suggesting it was based on misinformation about the risks posed by wild animals.

As the council deliberated, it became clear that while there is a shared commitment to animal welfare, the path forward requires careful consideration of how to balance public safety with the educational needs of the community. The council is expected to revisit the ordinance, with calls for further engagement with local educators and business owners to ensure that any regulations support rather than hinder valuable educational experiences.