Exotic Pet Surrender Event Helps Protect Our Watershed

Eight Exotic Animals Rehomed; Includes Python and Iguana!

8 animals were turned in at an exotic pet surrender event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on Saturday January 14. Included in the surrenders were a python, a boa, guinea pigs, and a 3-foot-long iguana.

The Exotic Pet Surrender Event was held on January 14th between 10 AM and 12:30 PM at the Coughlin Center (Extension Winnebago County) located at 625 E County Rd Y, Oshkosh, WI 54903.  Area organizations were on hand accepting 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. 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 for the animal and the environment.

This event brought together a collection of area rehoming partners that provide responsible alternatives to release for exotic pet owners who are no longer able to care for their pets. J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) hosted the January 14th event with help from several other area organizations including Wisconsin Sugar Glider Sanctuary & Rescue, Reptile Rescue of Wisconsin, and University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes.

This program is possible due to sponsors, Animart and Festival Foods.

Questions regarding the Exotic Pet Surrender Event or about future surrenders or events can be directed to John Moyles of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. He can be reached at adoptions@jraar.org

There are 18 Exotic Pet Surrender Events planned across the state with the next one on February 19th between 12 PM and 2 PM at the Fond du Lac Public Library located at 32 Sheboygan St, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.  Details on this event can be found here:  https://fb.me/e/2MBuUlzAo

Original story from J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue