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Exotic Pet Amnesty Day Set for March 12 at Zoo Miami

Pet Age Staff//March 11, 2016//

Exotic Pet Amnesty Day Set for March 12 at Zoo Miami

Pet Age Staff //March 11, 2016//

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Zoo Miami are holding an Exotic Pet Amnesty Day on March 12.

The goal of the event is to reduce the number of nonnative species being released into the wild by inviting the public to surrender any exotic animals they have been keeping as pets and can no longer care for, with no penalties and no questions asked.

This free event is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Miami Zoo at 12400 SW 152 Street. Admission to the zoo is not included and is not required to attend the event.

Live animals will be on display and experts will be on hand with information about caring for exotic pets, responsible pet ownership and potential ecological impacts of invasive species in Florida.

Surrendered exotic pets will be checked by a veterinarian before being made available for adoption that same day to pre-registered, experienced individuals who are capable of caring for them. Animals that will be accepted for surrender include reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates.

Becoming an adopter is free, but people are required to register a minimum of four days prior to the event to adopt an animal. Adopter applications can be found at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.