Even Keel Exotics

Please Note: Information regarding Even Keel Exotics is provided for historical context based on past customer reviews and publicly available data. As of August 2023, Even Keel Exotics in Temperance, MI, has been permanently shut down, its USDA license revoked, and nearly 150 animals seized due to serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act and Endangered Species Act. The owner, Zachery Keeler, is permanently prohibited from buying, selling, transporting, exhibiting, or delivering any regulated animal.

In the past, for those in Michigan seeking a more unconventional pet companion or a unique animal interaction, Even Keel Exotics in Temperance was a name that would often come up. This establishment aimed to specialize in exotic animals, offering a different kind of pet ownership experience compared to traditional dog and cat stores. They reportedly offered a variety of less common species and engaged the public through events designed to allow interaction with these animals. The allure for many Michigan residents was the opportunity to encounter creatures not typically found in conventional pet settings, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement, particularly for families.

Before its closure, Even Keel Exotics presented itself as a source for unique pets like skunks, as one customer enthusiastically described, "From start to finish, the time I left my deposit for my baby skunk to the time he was delivered to me and there after, I had the best customer service! He came to me very healthy and he has been such a joy to my family! We love him so much and I am so grateful to the staff and owner Zak." This indicated a past focus on personalized service for specialized animal acquisitions. Similarly, events like "baby animal day" were noted for being "very nice" with staff who were "so kind," allowing attendees to "pet and hold animal." These experiences were designed to provide memorable interactions, especially for children, who found "more around the corner" with each discovery.

The vision, as portrayed through customer interactions, was to offer unique opportunities for Michiganders to engage with exotic animals, potentially fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for diverse species. However, it is crucial to reiterate that this business has since faced significant regulatory action and is no longer operational in any capacity involving animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act.

Even Keel Exotics was formerly located at 2516 Rauch Rd, Temperance, MI 48182, USA. For residents in southern Michigan, particularly those in Monroe County and surrounding areas, this location would have been a direct drive. Temperance, being a smaller community, means that the address was likely situated in a more rural or semi-rural setting, which is common for facilities housing a variety of animals, including exotics. This type of location often allows for larger enclosures and specialized care facilities that might not be feasible in a dense urban environment.

Accessibility to the former premises would have typically involved driving, as public transportation options are limited in more rural Michigan areas. Ample on-site parking would have been a necessity to accommodate visitors, especially during popular events like "baby animal day." The nature of visiting an exotic animal facility often implies a planned trip rather than a casual stop, making the specific road access and parking capacity more relevant than proximity to bustling commercial centers. For Michiganders residing within a reasonable driving distance, the location offered a unique destination for animal enthusiasts looking for a different experience from mainstream zoos or pet stores.

Given the nature of Even Keel Exotics as a facility dealing with exotic animals, their past "services offered" would have significantly differed from a conventional pet store. Based on customer reviews and general knowledge of such operations, these would have included:

• Sale of Exotic Animals: This was a primary service, as indicated by the customer review regarding the purchase and delivery of a baby skunk. Other animals mentioned in public records (though not in the provided reviews) included species like hedgehogs, foxes, sugar gliders, prairie dogs, and possibly others, as per their former USDA licensing.
• Animal Encounters/Interactions: Events like "baby animal day" were a significant draw, allowing visitors to "pet and hold animals." This provided an interactive experience with exotic species, which is distinct from simply observing animals in a zoo.
• Educational Opportunities: While not explicitly stated, facilities with animal encounters often provide some level of educational content about the animals, their care, and conservation.
• Delivery Services for Animals: The review mentioning the skunk being "delivered to me" indicates that they offered animal delivery, a specialized service for exotic pet acquisitions.
• Customer Support for Exotic Pets: The glowing review about the "best customer service" from deposit to delivery and "there after" suggests they provided support and guidance to customers acquiring specialized animals.

Even Keel Exotics had several distinct features and highlights that made it unique in the Michigan pet landscape, prior to its closure and license revocation:

• Access to Unique and Exotic Animals: Their primary highlight was the availability of species not commonly found in traditional pet stores, such as skunks, and reportedly other exotic mammals, offering a specialized niche for pet ownership.
• Interactive Animal Experiences: Events like "baby animal day" allowed for hands-on interaction with various animals, providing a memorable and engaging experience for visitors, particularly families and children. This direct contact was a significant draw, as noted by the customer who appreciated being "allowed to pet and hold animal."
• Personalized Customer Service for Specialized Sales: The review detailing the purchase of a skunk highlighted "amazing experience" and "best customer service" from deposit through delivery, indicating a high level of support for complex transactions involving exotic pets.
• Focus on Health and Well-being (as perceived by some customers): One customer noted their purchased skunk "came to me very healthy," suggesting a positive experience regarding the condition of the animals received at the time.
• Owner/Staff Dedication (as perceived by some customers): The appreciation for "the staff and owner Zak" in a customer review indicates a positive perception of their involvement and commitment to the animals and customers.
• Rural Setting: The location itself, on Rauch Rd, suggests a facility that could accommodate a wider variety of animals and offer a more immersive environment for animal encounters than a typical urban pet store.

For historical reference regarding Even Keel Exotics, the contact information was:

Address: 2516 Rauch Rd, Temperance, MI 48182, USA

Phone: (734) 807-1283

In conclusion, while Even Keel Exotics previously carved out a unique niche in the Michigan pet market by offering exotic animals and interactive experiences, it is critically important for Michigan residents to understand that this business is no longer operational. Its permanent closure and the revocation of its USDA license, stemming from significant violations of animal welfare and endangered species regulations, mean that it is no longer suitable or legally permitted to engage in any activity involving regulated animals.

In its active period, the appeal for locals was centered on providing access to less common pets and direct animal interactions that were not available elsewhere. Customers who had positive experiences appreciated the personalized service and the opportunity to engage with animals like baby skunks, as described in past reviews. However, the subsequent legal actions and documented animal welfare concerns highlight the inherent complexities and potential ethical issues associated with the exotic pet trade. For Michigan residents seeking pet companions today, it is crucial to seek out reputable, licensed establishments that adhere to the highest standards of animal care and ethical practices, focusing on traditional pets or working with accredited sanctuaries for exotic animal appreciation, rather than considering any previous offerings from this now-closed facility. The story of Even Keel Exotics serves as a reminder for Michigan locals to thoroughly research and support businesses that prioritize animal well-being and operate with full transparency and compliance with all regulations.

Even Keel Exotics

2516 Rauch Rd, Temperance, MI 48182, USA