When we think of rescue animals, it is quite often that we think of dogs and cats. But outside of the canine and feline species, some of us are less aware of the organizations that are working to help restore and bring well-being to the cold-blooded creatures we share this earth with. From snakes, to lizards, turtles, the Reptile & Amphibian Rescue Network is working to do just that.
Meet the Reptile & Amphibian Rescue Network, RARN
As a kid I had such a fascination with animals that when I found the opportunity to go to a “snake farm”, as we called it, I did. I was somewhere between 10-12 years old when a friend shared that we could go to this “farm” and stay the night with snakes. And by the time the weekend came along I was in a truck headed to the country-side. A huge barn made of some metal opened up and and four of us girls walked right inside. A couch, and a TV were the only comforts of this shed because there were rows and shelves of snakes, certainly more than 100, in glass and plastic containers. The owner of the snakes locked us inside of the shed for the night, and there we spent our evening watching movies with the snakes around. I suppose not much has changed.
Snakes are powerful, as every creature on this earth. Why would they be mistreated? To be left in the cold where their poor bodies can hardly move, why?
What I learned from RARN today is that most reptile and amphibian pets die in the first year because of:
- improper care from their owners
- abuse
- neglect and ignorance
One of the pest ways to prepare for a reptile and amphibian that will enter your home, as suggested by RARN is:
- Educate each member of your household by reading books from the library on pet reptiles and/or amphibians
- Join a reptile club (here are the reptile clubs in Meetup in L.A.)
- Purchase and read the specific book on the exact animal you are interested in
- Consult with someone knowledgeable in the reptile club to help you select a pet
I met both Sabina and Jason today at the Holiday Pet Expo in L.A. and was truly mortified about the torture the very Python you see in the photo above. I felt incredibly grateful to know that these organizations exist, and continue working to improve their quality of life, and introduce them to their soon-to-be owners who will care for them well.
If you would like to contribute any items to their wish list, or donate, you can by visiting the RARN donation page or go directly to the RARN PayPal page here.
