MIAMI, FL -- "Be free, you're in a south Florida environment, be happy...start a family... couldn't be a worse thing for us!!" said Ron Magill, Director of Media Relations for the Miami Metrozoo, talking about those who set their non-native pets free.
Yet people do it all the time, releasing their exotic pets out into the wild.
"You're introducing a nonnative animal, that will compete with native animals. And in many cases 'out-compete' native animals, and create issues with the environment." said Magill.
The solution, the fifth annual Non-native Pet Amnesty day, hosted by Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the Miami Metrozoo this weekend.
"We will gladly accept your nonnative or exotic pets, no questions asked, free of charge, come on down to the event on Saturday turn them in. And we will take them." said Gabriella Ferraro, Public Information Coordinator for Florida Fish and Wildlife.
This event has become more and more popular year after year. And you wouldn't believe some of the pets that get dropped off.
"Serval cats to cougars, to venomous snakes to scorpions, to primates." said Magill.
The problem with owning an exotic pet is usually that "the idea" is better than the actual ownership.
"If you're looking for a novelty item to say, oh look what i have neat in the house, that wears off pretty fast, usually after the first scratch or first bite. So keep that in mind." said Magill.
And the economy hasn't helped exotic pet owners either. Food costs are way up and so is the cost of everything else.
"The veterinary costs alone can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. So people are realizing now with this economy, 'I can't afford it anymore,' and they want to do the right thing." said Magill.
This event is not for domestic animals.
"So that means no dogs, no cats, no ferrets, no rabbits, no pigs. We will take with open arms, any non-native critter or exotic critter." said Ferraro.
"But this is not just about stopping by and dropping off your animals, there will some other animal services offered as well."
"Well, we will microchip your snakes for $32.00. And that's something you now have to do, you have to have your snakes microchipped as of this year." said Ferraro.
The zoo has held onto a handful of "turned in animals" over the years, like Fluffy the Boa Constrictor, a Quadamundi (a south american member of the racoon family) and a few birds with talent. But what the FWC is really looking for is responsible adoptors in our commnunity.
"We need those adopters to take in the animals that are turned in on Saturday." said Ferraro.
So just know that your exotic pet will be going somewhere safe, which may make it easier to say good-bye.
