FLORENCE, Wis. — Do you have an exotic pet that you are no longer able to care for? Don’t release it into the wild. Instead, attend the exotic pet surrender event from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the UW-Extension Office in Florence County, 5628 Forestry Drive in Florence.

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue and several area organizations will accept a variety of exotic pets, including: fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals and plants.

Domestic pets — dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, chickens — are not accepted. Owners should contact local pet shelters or rescues for rehoming options.

Wisconsin native animals taken from the wild will not be accepted. Please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for these animals.

This event is a safe and responsible way to surrender exotic pets without the risks associated with releasing them into the wild, which can be harmful to both the animals and the environment.

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue has collaborated with regional rehoming partners — including Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition, Florence County Land Conservation and University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes — to provide responsible alternatives for owners who can no longer care for their exotic pets. This program is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Petco Love, Festival Foods, Ship Your Reptiles, Chemipure, Reef Aquaria Design, and Jellyfish Art.

For more information, contact John Moyles of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue at adoptions@jraar.org.