J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) is bringing its vital Exotic Pet Surrender Event back to 1000 Islands Environmental Center on Saturday, March 1st, from 10 AM to 3 PM at 1000 Beaulieu Ct, Kaukauna, WI. This program has provided a crucial service to pet owners, with hundreds of surrenders already in 2025.
The event offers a no-questions-asked opportunity for individuals to surrender exotic pets they can no longer care for, including fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants. Domestic pets and farm animals—such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs—will not be accepted. Native Wisconsin wildlife also cannot be surrendered, and those needing assistance should refer to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
This event marks a special return to our roots for JRAAR Founder John Moyles, who held his first-ever surrender event at this very location in 2016 while serving as president of the Green Bay Aquarium Society.
“Bringing this event back to 1000 Islands feels like coming full circle,” said Moyles. “We started here nearly a decade ago, and it’s incredible to see how this program has grown into an essential resource for pet owners and the environment.”
Animal ambassadors will be on-site for guests to meet, and attendees can enjoy a photo booth to snap pictures with rescued animals.
Unwanted exotic pets are often released into the wild, but this can be harmful to both the animal and local ecosystems. JRAAR, in partnership with organizations like Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance, Winnebago Waterways, and University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes, provides a responsible alternative. Surrendered animals will be available for adoption after a brief quarantine and observation period—no same-day adoptions will be permitted.
This event is made possible thanks to generous support from Petco Love and the Petfinder Foundation.
For more information, contact John Moyles at [email protected].
About J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is Wisconsin’s leading exotic pet rescue, dedicated to responsible rehoming, education, and conservation efforts. Since its founding, JRAAR has helped rehome thousands of animals through surrender events, adoptions, and community outreach.