J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue proudly announces the successful completion of its 2024 Exotic Pet Surrender Events, a series of 29 community-based events held across Wisconsin. These events provided judgment-free, compassionate support for individuals needing to rehome exotic pets, fostering a safe and responsible alternative to releasing animals into the wild.
Event Highlights
- Audience Reach: With a remarkable 315,498 people reached through social media alone, the events garnered significant attention, creating widespread awareness. This does not include word-of-mouth referrals or traditional news coverage.
- Collaborations: The events were a collective effort, made possible through partnerships with environmental organizations, libraries, and rescues across the state.
Collaborating Organizations
Key collaborators included:
- Government Agencies: Wisconsin DNR, Minnesota DNR, Menominee County Conservation/Forestry/Zoning Dept
- Environmental Groups: UW Sea Grant, Illinois/Indiana Sea Grant, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, Rock River Coalition, Golden Sands RC&D Council
- Academic Institutions: UW River Falls, UWSP Ichthyology Club, UWGB STEM Center
- Rescues and Humane Societies: Reptile Rescue of Wisconsin, Eau Claire Humane Society, Wisconsin Sugar Glider Rescue, Lincoln County Humane Society
- Nature Centers and Public Spaces: Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary, Ledgeview Nature Center, Welty Center, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Kimberly Public Library, Oshkosh Public Library, and more
Impact by the Numbers
Total Animals Surrendered: 1,418
- 🦎 Herps (Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates): 1,007
- 🐟 Freshwater Fish: 230
- 🐦 Birds: 54
- 🐹 Small Mammals: 81
- 🌊 Saltwater Fish: 45
- 🌱 Houseplant: 1
Most Surrendered Species by Category:
- 🦗 Invertebrate: Dubia roaches (470)
- 🐟 Freshwater: Axolotls (67)
- 🐢 Reptile: Red-Eared Sliders (52)
- 🐦 Bird: Parakeets (36)
- 🐹 Small Mammal: Guinea Pigs (26)
Pet Origins and Reasons for Surrender
- Origins: Many surrendered animals were initially obtained from pet stores (100, most commonly Petco), gifts (35), or miscellaneous sources (27, including found animals).
- Reasons: The most common reasons for surrender included challenges with quality of care (119), housing issues (46), and unpreparedness by owners (35).
Acknowledging Our Sponsors
These events were supported by the generosity of sponsors including Chemi-Pure, Reef Aquaria Design, Jellyfish Art, Festival Foods, and All Pro Shipping.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Events
With momentum from 2024’s success, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue plans to host 29 more Exotic Pet Surrender Events in 2025.
The first event will take place:
- Date: January 11, 2025
- Time: 12 PM – 3 PM
- Location: College of Shawano Community High School, Agriculture Wing, Room 1206, 220 County Rd B, Shawano, WI 54166
🐾 Accepted Animals: Fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and plants
🚫 Not Accepted: Domestic pets (e.g., cats, dogs) and native wildlife
These events provide a humane alternative to pet abandonment or harmful releases into the wild, ensuring surrendered animals find safe and responsible homes.
