Reptile rescue organization seeks new homes for unwanted pets

CTV Atlantic: Reptile zoo desperate to adopt out An organization that has been taking in reptiles is desperate to adopt them out, saying they are running out of space.

An organization that has been taking in reptiles is desperate to adopt them out, saying they are running out of space.

In August the country was shocked after two little boys were killed by an African rock python in Campbellton, N.B.

The tragedy caused a backlash in the snake and reptile community and led to dozens of animals being abandoned by their owners.

“This one was actually loose in an apartment building not too long ago,” says Mike MacDonald, curator of the Maritime Reptile Zoo, pointing to two docile ball pythons.

“This one was actually brought to us by the police in Truro.”

The Dartmouth-based Maritime Reptile Zoo typically takes in about 10 animals a year, but has rescued 55 since the tragic deaths of Noah and Connor Barthe.

“We’re at a point right now where we are actually turning people away,” says MacDonald.

Adding to the problem is 20 red-eared sliders – a very invasive species of turtle.

Many were dropped off at the Maritime Reptile Zoo by the Department of Natural Resources.

“We started taking them in just over a year ago and so far we have adopted out only one,” says assistant curator Lindsay Giles.

The zoo is hoping to adopt out some of the snakes and turtles, as well as bearded dragons and other reptiles.

The zoo is running out of space and MacDonald and Giles are also running out of hours in the day to take care of the animals.

“The money that goes towards feeding them and maintenance, and obviously our time as well, is currently just out of our own pockets and our own time,” says Giles.

Nova Scotia Natural Resource Minister Zach Churchill says the problem is on the provincial government’s radar.

“Our focus right now is finding alternative locations to put those species, and our hope is very specific, that it will alleviate some of those pressures,” says Churchill.

Veterinarian bills are also proving to be costly as many of the animals, including two pythons rescued from a home in Saint John, were in terrible condition when they arrived at the zoo.

“The owner didn’t want them anymore and had actually stopped looking after them. They were very, very malnourished,” says Giles.

In the absence of funding, the Maritime Reptile Zoo is trying to find homes for the animals that can be adopted legally.

The adoption process includes a contract and a $50 adoption fee that helps the zoo take care of the next wave of animals to be dropped off.

MacDonald says many of the snakes and reptiles make great pets but is encouraging interested adopters to do their research first.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Jayson Baxter