Exotic pets no longer for sale at Flamingo Gardens. An article in Saturday’s Sun-Sentinel confirmed that Flamingo Gardens, a botanical garden in Fort Lauderdale, has ended its involvement in the sale of non-native reptiles and other exotic pets.
In late 2009, ARFF received complaints about events held several times each year at Flamingo Gardens during which reptile breeders set up booths selling pythons, iguanas and other exotic lizards and snakes. ARFF contacted Flamingo Gardens and explained that due to their low cost and small size, animals such as ball pythons and iguanas are often purchased by individuals who lack the knowledge and resources to properly care for them. Once these reptiles become too large or expensive to care for, they are often abandoned or released into the wild. Others live miserable lives inside a glass aquarium.
According to the newspaper, “Flamingo Gardens used to host a Reptile Expo & Sale, but it has discontinued animal sales from its 60-acre property. Clark [Keith Clark, special events coordinator] said they did so because such events run counter to the facility’s mission as a native wildlife rescue and sanctuary.”
Thank you Flamingo Gardens!
Liebling Bros. Circus on the run. The Liebling Bros. Circus, and their poor elephant Nosey, has been mentioned many times on this blog. When ARFF learns of the circus performing in Florida, we are quick to contact event sponsors and city code enforcement, and organize protests. But if the circus thought they’d receive more of a welcome outside of Florida, they were wrong. Last week, Mackinaw Crossings, a shopping center in northern Michigan, asked the circus to pack up and leave after learning about their horrible history of animal neglect.
Please contact ARFF if you learn of the Liebling Family Circus, or any circus with elephants or other exotic animals, coming to a town near you. (Liebling sometimes performs as the “Piccadilly Circus”.)