MILWAUKEE – It’s a situation many pet owners face, the realization that they can no longer provide the care their beloved pets deserve. But one group, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, has stepped up to make a difference in the lives of exotic pet owners who can no longer care for their animals.
The rescue group held its pet surrender event at Havenswood State Forest Park on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.
You won’t find lions, tigers and bears, but the selection is impressive. From snakes to ferrets and chinchillas, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is a temporary home for these creatures.
Jack Blanc, a volunteer at J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, makes sure the animals are safe and well cared for. While Blanc has been volunteering for a few years, the organization has been hosting these exotic pet surrender events since 2020 and has taken in 5,000 exotic animals so far.
“There aren’t a lot of resources for people with exotic pets who need to surrender them, and a lot of humane societies won’t take them,” Blanc said.
This year alone, they received 260 animals from events like this, including newcomers like Donatello the turtle. Owner Skylar Meyer had to part with him because of space constraints.
“They’re getting too big for my small apartment,” Meyer said. “I hate to let them go, but they need a bigger space and other animals.”
Without this event, she was unsure what to do with Donatello.
“I was thinking about a humane society, but they have a really long waiting list,” Meyer said.
While Skylar is sad to say goodbye, she is content knowing she made the right choice.
“I just want them to be free,” she said. “I just love the pond and everyone else.”
J&R Aquatic Rescue plans to grow. They’ve scheduled 18 surrender events this year and 29 next year across Wisconsin to help more owners who can’t care for their pets.
“This was really a need that needed to be filled for the community,” Blanc said.
