FWC Home : Wildlife & Habitats : Nonnative Species : Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day Events : Miami 2008

2008 Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day - Miami

Summary

A scarlet macaw that found a new home	Kids get to touch a bearded dragon on display

The 3rd Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day event was held February 23, 2008, at the Miami MetroZoo in Miami.  Nine exhibition tents helped to educate the public about nonnative species and responsible pet ownership.  The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the FWC Exotic Fish Laboratory brought nonnative fish species for display; Croc Encounters from Tampa, the Miami Science Museum, Everglades National Park and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department exhibited native venomous and nonnative reptiles and invertebrates; and Robert Sonner, a private citizen, exhibited nonnative mammals and birds.  Miami-Dade Poison Control and FWC Project WILD and FWC Law Enforcement provided information and educational activities.  Friends Forever, a nonprofit group of veterinary technician students and teachers, provided microchipping services at a reduced cost.

MetroZoo's Ron Magill gives an interview	Vet examines a surrendered coati	Low cost microchipping services were provided

Approximately 500 people attended the event, and 148 animals were surrendered.  As expected, most surrenders were reptiles (121).  Of those, 29 were lizards, 5 were tortoises, 62 were turtles, and 25 were snakes.  By far the most common reptiles surrendered were red-eared sliders (56) and green iguanas (18).  Seven birds, 8 mammals and 12 invertebrates were also received at Amnesty Day.  Since the event, calls about placing 19 additional animals have been received, including placing a Burmese python in St. Augustine and a spectacled caiman in Vermont.

The event received plenty of local and national media coverage and even extended to Canada.