2023 Illinois Compiled Statutes › Chapter 510 - ANIMALS › 510 ILCS 68/ - Herptiles-Herps Act › Article 20 - Crocodilians

(510 ILCS 68/Art. 20 heading)
ARTICLE 20.   CROCODILIANS
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/20-5)
Sec. 20-5. Crocodilians. "Crocodilians" means any species of the Order Crocodilia, such as crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gavials.
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/20-10)
Sec. 20-10. Crocodilian permit requirements.   In addition to the requirements listed in Articles 60 and 65 of this Act, Herptile Special Use permits may be issued to residents using crocodilian species only for bona  fide educational programs, following an inspection and approval of the proposed facilities.  A minimum of 6 documented programs shall be required of each permittee per calendar year.  Unless addressed or exempted by administrative rule, annual permit renewal must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as set by the Department and documented proof of educational programs completed on the recipient's letterhead. The Department or the Department of Agriculture reserves the right to inspect permittees and facilities during reasonable hours.  Additions to permits must be approved prior to acquisition of additional crocodilians, and any changes shall be reported to the Department in writing no later than the first business day after that change occurred.
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/20-15)
Sec. 20-15. Maintenance of crocodilians.   Permittees shall keep crocodilians maintained in suitable, strong, impact resistant, escape-proof enclosures at all times unless being used for bona fide educational programs or trips for veterinary care.
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/20-20)
Sec. 20-20. Educational programs with crocodilians.   During any bona fide educational program involving crocodilians, the owner or affiliated agent must maintain physical possession and control of the crocodilian at all times if removed from a container or cage.  Interiors of cages or containers used during educational programs may not be accessible to the public.  Crocodilians removed from their cage or enclosure for educational programs must have either the mouth banded or taped shut or kept at a minimum of 10 feet from the public and also kept out of direct contact with the public.
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/20-25)
Sec. 20-25. Transport of crocodilians.   During transport of any crocodilian, it must be kept out of sight of the public in an escape-proof enclosure at all times.  Transport of any crocodilian to any public venue, commercial establishment, retail establishment, or educational institution shall only be for bona fide educational programs or veterinary care.
(Source: P.A. 98-752, eff. 1-1-15.)
(510 ILCS 68/20-30)
Sec. 20-30. Additional regulations.   Crocodilians shall not be bred, sold, or offered for sale within this State. However, the Department may approve, by rule, limited


transfers among existing permittees.
As determined by the Department through administrative rule, non-residents may apply for a permit not to exceed 15 consecutive days to use crocodilians in bona fide educational programs.  The fee for this permit shall be set by administrative rule, and all fees shall be deposited into the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund.
(Source: P.A. 102-315, eff. 1-1-22; 103-363, eff. 7-28-23.)