Exotic pets being handed in

Monday, 13 February 2023 06:30

The cost of living is having an impact on those who keep reptiles.

There’s been an increase in animals being handed in to zoos and animal parks since the start of winter.

The reptilian refuge in Le Locle in canton Neuchâtel says they’re handling about 150 animals a month being handed in, compared to around 7 before.

The same is true at the Bioparc in Geneva.

It’s thought the cost of energy is the main reason as it costs money to keep many of the reptiles at a temperature they need to survive.

Depending on the species, their enclosure needs to be kept between 18 and 40 degrees.

It’s illegal to abandon the animals in the wild, where they would almost certainly die.

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