St. Petersburg, Fla.(970 WFLA)-The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve are holding an Exotic Pet Amnesty Day event Saturday, May 19, in St. Petersburg.
People may surrender their exotic pets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., whether they are being kept legally or illegally, without penalty or cost.
The Exotic Pet Amnesty Program offers a legal alternative to releasing exotic pets that owners can no longer keep and helps to reduce the number of nonnative species being introduced into the wild.
Live animals will be on display and experts from the FWC will provide information about caring for exotic pets, responsible pet ownership and potential ecological impacts of invasive species in Florida.
Surrendered exotic pets will be accepted between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and given a health exam by a veterinarian before being made available for adoption that same day to pre-registered, experienced individuals who can care for them.
Animals that will be accepted for surrender include nonnative species of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates. Domestic animals, such as cats, dogs, pigs and chickens, will not be accepted.
Click here to take a look at dozens of photos of exotic pets people have turned in to FWC
Photo Credit: FWC