Opportunity for people to surrender their exotic pets free

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sat., Oct. 5, 2013

Location: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE
Fort Walton Beach, Fl 32548

More than 500 fish and wildlife nonnative species, also known as exotic species, have been observed in Florida. Not all nonnative species present a threat to native species, but some have become invasive by causing harm to native species, posing a threat to human health and safety, or causing economic damage. The Exotic Species Coordination Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission works to manage and minimize the impacts that nonnative species have on Florida’s fish, wildlife and marine life.

The Exotic Pet Amnesty Program is an effort to reduce the number of nonnative species being released into the wild by pet owners who can no longer care for their pets or no longer wish to keep them.  Another goal of the program is to foster responsible pet ownership. One-day-only Amnesty Day events are held around the state to provide the opportunity for people to surrender their exotic pets free of charge with no penalties.

Current exotic pet owners and anyone interested in acquiring a nonnative pet can come and talk to experts to learn more about that animal’s needs.

Sponsored by: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, http://www.gulfarium.com/
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/

Contact:
Allen McDowell, 850-243-0353; Allen.Mcdowell@Gulfarium.com
Jenny Novak, 850-617-9554; Jenny.Novak@MyFWC.com
Liz Barraco, 954-577-6409; Liz.Barraco@MyFWC.com