Critterhaven Iguanas

Yesterday two green iguanas from Critterhaven, a farm animal sanctuary that is closing in Sequim, WA, were relocated to Olympic Animal Sanctuary's new location in Forks. The move went smoothly and both animals are adjusting quickly to their new view. Both iguanas are eating well and enjoying their leafy greens and vegetables, as well as some new things they may not have had before, like cactus. They'll remain in their old cage temporarily, but we're looking forward to building room-sized enclosures for these two big guys. Once those are built, we'll be able to accept female iguanas, which can share the enclosures with the males after they've been spayed.

Still think an iguana would make a good pet? Think again. Iguanas need a broad variety of produce for proper nutrition, it's expensive and it's not always easy to find. They are messy, and their enclosures must be cleaned daily. Older males are often aggressive; they whip their tails and can deliver serious bites -- this is one reason so many of them end up in rescues. If you plan to keep males and females together, you may be in for a surprise when your male gives the females so much 'attention' that he ends up injuring or even killing them. An artificial iguana can be a surrogate target for the hormonal male, but if the females aren't spayed, they will still breed. And don't think you'll be able to sell the babies -- the market is flooded, not to mention the time and effort you'll put into the whole mess will far outweigh any potential profits. And get this -- juvenile iguanas, particularly captive bred ones, often waste away and die because they lack beneficial bacteria that they obtain in the wild by eating the feces of adult iguanas. Are you prepared to procure iguana poop for your babies?
And these are just a few of the issues with iguanas that are being cared for properly; now imagine the issues that arise from improper care, which is what the vast majority of captive iguanas receive.

We recommend that if you want a pet, you adopt a dog or cat from your local humane society. If you want a reptile, consider volunteering for a reptile rescue organization in your area first -- learn what captive reptile care really entails, and if you're still interested, start a small reptile rescue in your home, and keep animals only if they fall within your skill level, and only if you can provide them with lifelong care.

We believe that wild animals should stay wild, including all reptiles, but when that's not possible, captivity is the next best thing, so long as the animals are cared for properly in an environment that far exceeds their basic needs. We oppose all buying, selling, trading, and commercial importing and exporting of reptiles, as well as all captive breeding, except in cases of critically endangered species that are bred by legitimate conservation organizations for release into their native habitats. Many people claim they're breeding reptiles and other animals to preserve the species, but most are not part of any legitimate conservation program, and are simply breeding for profit and using conservation as an excuse. Don't be fooled.

Posted on March 18, 2007 | Link

Ginger and Lily

Steve received a call from the Director of the Friends of Forks Animals about two pit bulls that had been running at large, killing poultry. Her neighbor had sent her sons out after them with BB-guns, and at least one of the dogs had been shot with a BB. Steve found the dogs that night but was unable to catch them. He later talked to the neighbor and learned that she had purchased shotgun ammunition and was planning to kill the dogs if she could catch them in the act. Calls had gone in to the Forks Police Department and the Clallam County Humane Society, so these two dogs were 'wanted fugitives'.

Steve found them again three days later and was able to get them into the new Sanctuary building, where he fed and leashed them. These two girls can really move -- they were easily covering as much as 15 miles a day. They may have come into town from La Push, Beaver, or even farther away.

Neither dog is even part pit bull, although at first glance it's clear why someone would make that mistake. Ginger is more than likely a Catahoula leopard dog/Akita cross, with beautiful, blue eyes, and Lily looks to be a border collie/yellow Lab mix. Because of their 'criminal records', these two will have to stay at the Sanctuary unless they are claimed.

Update: the dogs have not been claimed and will be permanent residents at Olympic Animal Sanctuary. Ginger has significant behavioral issue to overcome, particularly when it comes to getting along with other female dogs. Lily was spayed and is recovering normally; Ginger was already spayed. Both dogs have been microchipped.

Posted on March 18, 2007 | Link

Our New Property

The deal closed today and Olympic Animal Sanctuary will be taking the next week or so to move onto our new property in Forks, Washington. The property consists of 3/4-acre with a 5,000+ square foot shop, with offices and an apartment. Around 80% of the indoor space will be devoted solely to animals, as will most of the outdoor space. We will be focusing on expanding our reptile rescue efforts, however most of the space will be occupied by the sanctuary's dogs, who will be overjoyed to have a big, indoor play area to use on rainy days. This property will allow us to become better established and to run more efficiently, so we're looking forward to getting started.

Posted on March 16, 2007 | Link