Surrender event collects 37 exotic animals

By Patrick Lynn

A recent exotic pet surrender event in Stevens Point is helping to rehome nearly 40 animals.

The Habitattitude Exotic Pet Surrender Event took in 37 animals at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitors Center on Aug. 22, including four pythons, a boa constrictor, a hedgehog that needed medical care, and a three-foot-long alligator.

Area organizations were present to accept fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants—no questions asked.

“In some areas, there are no rehoming options for exotic animals such as fish, birds, and reptiles,” said John Moyles of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. Some pet owners that are unable to care for their pet may think that releasing the animal is the right thing to do, however, releasing a pet is harmful to the animal and the environment.”

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue hosted the event, working cooperatively with area rehoming partners that provide responsible alternatives to release for exotic pet owners who are no longer able to care for their pets. Golden Sands Resource Conservation and Development and the staff at Schmeeckle Reserve Visitors Center also helped organize the event.

For more information contact Moyles at [email protected].