Surrender, Don’t Release: March 10th Event Aims to Help Exotic Pet Owners

KAUKAUNA, WISC-- Do you have a fish, reptile or bird that you are no longer able to care for? If so, bring your pet to the GBAS Exotic Pet Amnesty Day Event on March 9th between 11 AM and 3 PM at 1000 Islands Environmental Center. Area organizations will be accepting fish, reptiles, pet birds, and aquarium plants --no questions asked.

In some areas, there are no rehoming options for animals such as fish, birds, and reptiles. Some pet owners that are unable to care for their pet may think that releasing the animal is the right thing to do, however, releasing a pet is harmful for the animal and the environment.

The Habitattitude Rehoming Network is a collection of area rehoming partners that provide responsible alternatives to release for exotic pet owners who are no longer able to care for their pets. Green Bay Aquarium Society (GBAS) is hosting the October 13th event with help from several other area organizations including: Steve Keller's Traveling Snake Show, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Winnebago Waterways, and University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes.

There will be live animal demonstrations, and expert advice on hand so come visit us even if you don’t have a pet to rehome!

Following the surrender event, GBAS will be hosting a fish auction on March 10th at the Starlite Club in Kaukauna. Any fresh or saltwater fish surrendered will be included in the auction.

John Moyles, GBAS Events Coordinator, is looking forward to the surrender event.

“We are happy to provide a safe place for aquarium pet owners to surrender their pets, no questions asked,” said Moyles. “Having the surrender event the day before the auction helps us to rehome fish quickly without having to worry about long-term foster care and storage.”

Questions regarding the GBAS Exotic Pet Amnesty Day can be directed to John Moyles of GBAS. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..