Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is pleased to host Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Exotic Pet Amnesty Day on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 10am-2pm. The event is free to the public, and will be held just outside the main entrance to the Gulfarium. Admission into Gulfarium is not included.

The Gulfarium’s partnership with the FWC’s Amnesty program dates back to 2013. This event aims to provide a unique learning experience with the ultimate goal of limiting the number of nonnative species in Florida’s natural environment. Florida faces this challenge as many pet owners find that their exotic pet can live longer, grow larger, or require more care than initially anticipated. Many resort to releasing the animal out into the wild which is not only illegal, but poses a great threat to the environment.

FWC’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Day also allows exotic pet owners to surrender their pet anonymously and without penalty. Surrendered animals will be accepted between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A veterinarian will check over each animal Pre-approved adopters by FWC will be be readily available to give them a forever home. Animals that will be accepted for surrender include reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates. Individuals will receive one free admission pass to the Gulfarium for each animal surrendered.

Event Details: https://www.gulfarium.com/amnesty_day

To learn more about this program visit http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/amnesty-program/.

Are you interested in becoming an adopter? Visit http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/amnesty-program/apply/