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Spotlight on Rescue
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This issue, we shine our spotlight on the Northern Virginia Reptile Rescue, a non profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the conservation of native Virginia reptiles and amphibians and responsible pet guardianship. One of the things that makes this rescue so unique, is that the people working at this center, are licensed wildlife rehabilitators, who, collectively, have more than 60 years experience in the rehabilitation and care of sick and injured reptiles and amphibians. Not only are they required to undergo two years of training under a licensed and experienced rehabilitator, every year, each rehabilitator is given several hours of wildlife medical training, to enable them, to do their best to treat and heal the animals brought to the Rescue. With adequate training and experience, native species are treated and returned, as soon as possible, to the wild. However, when an animal is not native to the area, once the animal is healthy, attempts are made to “rehome” the animal. In addition to rehabilitation and adoption services, the Northern Virginia Reptile Rescue believes, it must also improve the public’s understanding of a much maligned and misunderstood group of animals, including snakes, turtles, iguanas and other exotic animals. The Rescue provides lectures, informative talks, live animal displays, and interactive learning programs, which support local school curricula. Their courses include a 45 minute presentation on “What is a Reptile?” Other programs include, Native Reptiles of Virginia, Basic Reptile Care and Basic Reptile Rehabilitation. Located in Bluemont, Virginia, the facility is operated out of a private farmhouse, on 6 acres of land, by rehabbers who also have full-time jobs. It is for this reason, they ask that, with the exception of emergency animal drop offs, all visits be coordinated with one of the officers or volunteer coordinators of the rehabilitation facility. Much of the rehabbers' time is spent cleaning, maintaining or treating sick and injured animals; unannounced visits detract from their ability to manage the facility. The following is one of many animals available for adoption at the Northern Virginia Reptile Rescue
Redback Reptile: Snake
Redback is a beautiful six foot common boa constrictor, placed up for adoption due to the death of his owner. He is a gorgeous animal and was part of a large boa color morph collection. He is very healthy, has a beautiful broad red stripe running down his back, and exquisite coloration on his tail and head. He is a great feeder on prekilled, frozen and thawed large rats and will eat food that is either dangled in front of him or simply placed in the enclosure. He is very tame and is easily handled, never attempting to bite. Redback will probably exceed 10 feet in length and will make a great addition to an experienced herp home. If you are interested in Redback, send an email to: rescue@boxturtle.org
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