MILWAUKEE — It’s a situation that many owners face, a realization that they can no longer provide the care their beloved animals deserve. But one group, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, stepped up to make a difference in the lives of exotic pet owners who can no longer take care of their animals.

What You Need To Know

  • The rescue group hosted their pet surrender event on Saturday at Havenswood State Forest Park from 12p.m. to 3p.m. 

  • The organization hosted these exotic pet surrender events since 2020

  • Since the launch, the organization has taken 5,000 exotic animals in. 

  • This year alone, they received 260 animals from events like these

The rescue group hosted their pet surrender event on Saturday at Havenswood State Forest Park from noon to 3p.m.

You won’t find lions, tigers and bears, but the assortment is striking. From snakes to ferrets and chinchillas, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue becomes a temporary home for these creatures.

Jack Blanc, a volunteer for J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, makes sure that the animals are kept safe and well-cared for. While Blanc has been a volunteer for a couple years, the organization hosted these exotic pet surrender events since 2020, taking in 5,000 exotic animals so far.

“There’s not a lot of resources for people with exotic pets needing to surrender them and a lot of humane societies won’t accept them,” Blanc said.

This year alone, they received 260 animals from events like these, including newcomers like Donatello the turtle. Owner Skylar Meyer had to part ways due to space constraints.

“They’re getting too big for my small apartment,” said Meyer. “I hate to let them go, but they need a bigger space and other animals.”

Without this event, she was unsure of what to do with Donatello.

“I was thinking about a humane society, but they have a really long wait time,” said Meyer.

Skylar, although saddened by the parting, is content with the knowledge she made the right choice.

“I just want them to be free,” she said. “Just love the pond and everybody else.”

J&R Aquatic Rescue plans to grow. They have 18 surrender events scheduled this year and 29 scheduled for next year across Wisconsin to help more owners unable to take care for their pets.

“This was really a need that needed to be filled for the community,” said Blanc.

If you are interested in adopting an exotic animal, you can go to the J&R website where you can fill out an application.

Related Stories