Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Want to get rid of that python?
Looking to get rid of that python, parrot or hedgehog?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium are hosting an Exotic Pet Amnesty Day event Aug. 19 in West Palm Beach.
People can turn in their exotic pets at the event, whether they are being kept legally or illegally, without consequence.
The idea behind the program is to find homes for unwanted animals and to prevent their owners from abandoning them in the wild. Animals that will be accepted for surrender include nonnative species of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates. But domestic animals such as dogs, cats, pigs and chickens will not be accepted.
Since the program’s launch in 2006, more than 2,500 animals have been surrendered, according to the FWC.
This event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail N., in West Palm Beach.
FWC staffers will talk about how to care for exotic pets and the potential environmental impact of having invasive species in the state. The animals that are brought in will be given a health exam by a veterinarian before they will be available for adoption after 2 p.m. People interested in adopting an animal must preregister before the amnesty day.
The event is free, but entry to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is not included.
For more information on adopting an exotic pet, visit MyFWC.com/Nonnatives and download the application.