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Exotic pet amnesty March 2

By Staff | Feb 22, 2013

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) are teaming up to host a one-day exotic pet amnesty day on Saturday, March 2, at the Calusa Nature Center in Fort Myers.

The amnesty program is an effort to reduce the number of nonnative species being released into the wild by pet owners who can no longer care for their pets or no longer wish to keep them. This one-day event will provide an opportunity to surrender unwanted exotic pets free of charge with no penalties.

Current exotic pet owners and anyone interested in acquiring a nonnative pet can talk to experts to learn more about that animal’s needs and responsible pet ownership. FWC is also looking for experienced exotic pet owners to be adopters for the surrendered animals. Adopters must have knowledge about the proper care for the animals they want to adopt and obtain all necessary permits.