Jacksonville Zoo Hosts Florida FWC Pet Amnesty Day

By Mercede New

Jacksonville, FL - The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is hosting the Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) Pet Amnesty Day on Saturday, November 22, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Zoo’s main parking lot. If you are a nonnative pet owner, with an exotic pet that you can’t care for anymore, please don’t set it free. In an effort to keep nonnative pets out of Florida’s ecosystems, the FWC is accepting nonnative pets such as exotic reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish and mammals (domestic pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits and ferrets will not be accepted). This one-day-only event offers an opportunity for people to surrender their nonnative pets free of charge to the FWC with no questions asked. This event is free and open to the public and will include informational booths and live animal encounters.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the state on this humane, ecologically sensitive event, and hope that participants will return to the Zoo to learn about our native species in the Wild Florida exhibit,” said Delfi Messinger, director of animal programs at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

Another goal of Pet Amnesty Day is to foster responsible pet ownership. Anyone interested in acquiring a nonnative pet can come and talk to experts to learn more about that animal’s needs.   The FWC is also looking for potential adopters.  Potential adopters must apply before the event; however, people can turn in their applications at the event, but they will not be eligible to adopt that day.  All adopters must demonstrate knowledge and experience with the types of animals they would like to adopt.  There is no fee to become an adopter, but there is an application process.  Anyone interested in adopting nonnative pets can find an adoption application and husbandry forms at http://myfwc.com/nonnatives/AmnestyDayForms.html#Adoption_applications  

“It’s illegal to release a nonnative animal into the wild in Florida, and it could be detrimental
for the animal and the environment,” said Jenny Tinnell, FWC biologist.

Nonnative pet amnesty events also help to increase awareness of nonnative species problems in Florida.  Over 400 nonnative species have been observed in Florida, and more than 130 have reproducing populations. It is illegal to release any animal not native to Florida.  For more information on nonnative species in Florida, visit http://myfwc.com/nonnatives/

Pets will not be admitted into the Zoo.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,400 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species. The Jacksonville Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  It is open year-round, seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.