AMNESTY STATION

It is an unfortunate reality is that there are animals that are illegally in the State of Hawaii. Some have been seized by the local authorities and need permanent placement or temporary sanctuary while awaiting transport to a more appropriate location. In addition to caring for these animals, we now serve the community as an amnesty location where anyone can call us and arrange to drop off an alien or injured animal. We can then notify the proper authorities and see that the animal gets cared for correctly.

The Jackson's chameleon is originally from Africa, but after originally being brought in for the pet trade, they have managed to establish themselves on a number of different islands within the State. The are technically illegal to possess, but still quite common in the local pet trade. They are also frequently captured and sold to the pet trade out of State. They require special care and most captured animals eventually get sick and die or are released back into the wild.

This sugar glider, at left, is highly restricted in the State of Hawaii. He was smuggled into the State as a pet. His owner realized that being caught in possession of this animal could mean a big fine and certain seizure of this pet. Fortunately, he was turned in to the Sanctuary and safely transferred to a home on the Mainland. This species could cause tremendous damage to Hawaii's agriculture if they were able to establish themselves on the islands, as many other exotics have been able to do.

 

Exotic animals have complex needs, so for the animals welfare (and to avoid criminal penalties or fines) we encourage people to call us if they have or know about anyone possessing any alien or exotic species- no one will ever be turned in- we are an amnesty station.

 

 

 

This is Barcode. He is a bar-headed goose, a species which requires special permits to possess in Hawaii. He was seized during a raid by Fish & Wildlife on Oahu. He now lives happily at the Sanctuary, sharing the wetlands with our nene and a crane.