KAUKAUNA — J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, in partnership with 1000 Islands Environmental Center, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant / Water Resources Institutes, successfully hosted an Exotic Pet Surrender Event over the weekend at the 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna.
The event provided a safe, judgment-free option for pet owners who could no longer care for their exotic animals.
According to a news release, 188 animals were surrendered, including a variety of turtles, fish, frogs, mice, lizards, and crabs.
Events like this help prevent the release of exotic pets into the wild. While releasing a pet may seem like a humane solution, it can cause serious harm to both the animal and the environment. Non-native species can struggle to survive, spread disease, or disrupt local ecosystems.
“These events give people a responsible option when life changes,” said Macy Wolke-Yohr, Invasive Species Specialist with J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. “Instead of pets being abandoned or released into the wild, they come into our care where they can receive proper housing, veterinary attention, and eventually be placed in a new home.”
All surrendered animals will undergo a mandatory quarantine and evaluation period before becoming available for adoption. Same-day adoptions are not offered at surrender events in order to ensure the health and safety of both the animals and potential adopters.
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue has helped and rehomed more than 11,000 exotic animals since 2020, and continues to host surrender events across Wisconsin to protect native ecosystems while giving exotic pets a second chance at life.
For more information about upcoming Exotic Pet Surrender Events or adoption opportunities, visit:
https://www.jraar.org/exoticpetsurrenderevents
