Main thing is in your first post it says to contact him on that e-mail so that is the main thing you want to do.Hopefully he honors the live arrival if it is the post offices fault.But if he don't would at least try to get him to eat 1/2 of it.
any way enough rambling good luck hope everything works out.Main thing is keep in contact with him.
First, is there any way you could contact the postal carrier yourself? Perhaps you could pick the package up at the local hub/office if they have it but just haven't delivered it.
Second, you should certainly get a replacement package with the same animals sent out or a refund if that's what you decide. As mgk said, it's his responsibility to get them to your door alive. Shipping is his responsibility. (In the US, it could only be the recipient's responsibility if both parties were businesses. And even in that case this exception is fairly limited.)
I don't play with these on line vendors anymore.. If I order something and it doesn't arrive then I dispute the charge with the credit card company immediately.
The fact that he's more interested in going on vacation than making sure you (The customer) is taken care of, tells you everything about this person right there.
take pic of the box when it does arive take pic of the stuff in the box to prove the DOA
Send him pics and if he is like most other Online vendors he will replace it or give you cridit for more!!!
Work with the guy he has family too.
any news as to whether or not it came in? some online vendors have fine print that reads something along the lines of if you dont pay for shipping insurance and some form of neglect by the mail carrier causes doa you are sol. you may want to look into the fine print and cover your arse before you call your credit card company. also if he is a reputable vendor and sounds like he is treating the matter fairly he will probably have no problem reimbursing you in either product or money.