J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR), in partnership with Reptile Rescue of Wisconsin, Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance, Winnebago Waterways, and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes, hosted a highly successful Exotic Pet Surrender Event today at the 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna. Between 10 AM and 3 PM, 25 animals were surrendered, including lizards, turtles, hedgehogs, and two macaws. The event provided a safe and compassionate solution for exotic pet owners who can no longer care for their animals, ensuring their well-being while preventing potential harm to the environment.
Event Details:
Date: September 21, 2024
Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
Location: 1000 Islands Environmental Center, 1000 Beaulieu Ct, Kaukauna, WI 54130
This event allowed participants to surrender fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and plants with no questions asked. Surrendered pets will be quarantined and observed before becoming available for adoption at a later date. No same-day adoptions were permitted to ensure proper care and assessment of the animals.
What to Expect:
- Surrender Options: The event welcomed the surrender of exotic pets, with secure and humane care provided. Fish, reptiles, invertebrates, birds, small mammals, and plants were accepted in secure containers. Pets originating from outside Wisconsin required a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
- Limitations: Domestic pets and farm animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits, were not accepted, nor were native Wisconsin wildlife.
- Education & Engagement: Attendees had the opportunity to meet animal ambassadors and learn more about exotic species and responsible pet ownership. A photobooth allowed visitors to capture special moments with rescued pets.
Macy Yohr, Natural Resources Intern at J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, highlighted the environmental importance of these events:
“We are thrilled by the community’s participation today. Releasing exotic pets into the wild is never a good option for the animal or the environment. Events like this provide a much-needed opportunity for safe surrender and help us protect our ecosystems.”
Next Event:
The next Exotic Pet Surrender Event will take place on October 5th, 2024, from 12 PM – 3 PM at the Rothschild Village Hall, located at 211 Grand Ave, Rothschild, WI 54474.
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue has 29 Exotic Pet Surrender Events planned for 2024, all aiming to provide responsible rehoming options for exotic pets and prevent harmful releases into the wild.
Contact Information:
For questions regarding the Exotic Pet Surrender Event, please contact John Moyles at [email protected].
About J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue:
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of unwanted exotic pets. Through education and outreach, JRAAR advocates for responsible pet ownership and works to prevent the negative environmental impacts of releasing non-native species into the wild.
