Reptile Rescue

First, not sure where to post it so stuck it here. I'm thinking of starting a reptile rescue. Likely in Florida. They have so many snakes running around. It would be nice to save the African Rocks and Burms from x.x But, how should I start it and should I go through with it? It'd be like an animal shelter. Take them in, adopt them out. Please help with this!

I think that it is a good idea, but don't forget that Florida banned these snakes a long time ago. If you are taking peoples' unwanted pets, you could be caught, fined/arrested and have your records subpoenaed for the information of the people who turned in the snakes. Even if this didn't happen, you still wouldn't be able to sell the snakes in Florida or take them to other states.

If you are going to take the snakes out of the swamp, that's just a bad idea. Period.

Either way you'll end up stuck with a warehouse full of snakes that you're going to have to kill or somehow take care of. I'd try a state other than Florida, but if you insist you might talk with the state government to try and get some kind of deal where you send them out of state in compliance with the Lacey act.

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Likely in Florida.

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You are aware of the laws regarding reptiles of concern

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Former reptiles of concern are now listed as conditional species. Conditional reptiles are not allowed to be acquired for personal possession. Reptile dealers, researchers and public exhibitors may apply for a permit to import or possess conditional snakes and lizards.
People who owned one of the following species, now listed as conditional species, before July 1, 2010 may keep their animal for the remainder of its life. These pet owners must maintain a valid reptile of concern license for these animals.
Indian or Burmese python (Python molurus)
Reticulated python (Python reticulatus)
Northern African python (Python sebae)
Southern African python (Python natalensis)
Amethystine python (Morelia amethistinus)
Scrub python (Morelia kinghorni)
Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus)
Anyone who possesses a former reptile of concern and can no longer keep their animal may relinquish it at a Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day event or to a licensed reptile dealer. A map of licensed reptile dealers is available online.

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http://myfwc.com/license/captive-wil...es-of-concern/

not to mention rescuing snakes from a owner that can no longer care for his animals is one thing but taking in snakes that are wild to adopt them out :confused:

Try getting your hand on a afroc and let me know how it's working out for you? ;)

Finally you are also aware that you can no longer transport some specific species across state line right?

Ok, thanks for the info. I will get licensed though but I may go to New Mexico. You can have tigers without a permit there and I wont take in venomous snakes.

Although I think your intent is noble, it seems that you have a lot more research and experience to gain before you should try anything like this. You'll need to be very well-versed in each animal's care that you take in, as well as able to train others to help you properly. This isn't even including the extraordinary amount of money something like this will cost (most rescues will need vet attention). I suggest starting with an intensive zoo internship, to help you decide what animals you even want to work with. African Rocks and tigers have slightly different husbandry requirements. ;)

Also, there is already a rescue of sorts in Florida that Ben Siegel has helped to start called the Burmese Python Initiative that is doing just that. You can only adopt out those animals to someone with a ROC permit (Reptiles of Concern), and those are typically only licensed dealers, researchers, or those using them for educational purposes. As has been mentioned, it would cost a ridiculous amount of money to do such a thing.

And more importantly, have you ever even held/been around a LARGE constrictor? Or a Giant? The zoo internship would be a great idea if that were something you might be interested in. Giants are a WHOLE different can of worms from any other type of snake. While your intent is noble, I'm gonna say you should probably get a lot more training first. :gj:

Reptile rescues are absolutely wonderful, and I commend you for being willing to take on this endeavor, but they are only effective if run well, and that is a difficult thing to do.

If you're thinking of moving, I would say now is not the time. Moving states is very stressful and dangerous for reptiles, and I don't think it's smart to acquire a bunch of animals just before you move.

Also, as has been said, expertise and experience handling large, defensive, and possibly downright nasty snakes is a must. And money. Most rescue animals need some sort of vet attention, and that all has to come out of pocket. Resale fees won't begin to cover vet expenses.

So... maybe it's something to consider a little bit further down the road?