We never consider rehoming exotic animals to anyone inexperienced in their care. If only pet shops would use the same criteria when selling them!
Sorrel
Sorrel had no obvious injuries and once in the warm and dried, she readily took food. The cause of her problem soon became clear, she had a cataract in one eye. This was confirmed by the vet who said she had been unable to hunt for food because of that and was weak and very thin from lack of nourishment. In all probability she would have died that night if not found and taken into care.
Owls are old in the wild at about five but in captivity, without all the hazards, can live to twenty or more. Hopefully Sorrel will enjoy many years yet in her safe environment.
Avril
Possum
Possum lived feral in the village for about two years after being dumped here as a kitten. He used to take food we put out for foxes, badgers and hedgehogs. He was always very wary of people but after a lot of patient encouragement, he allowed a brief stroke. It took a very long time to gain his trust, but once gained, he began coming into the Sanctuary and eventually, moved in totally.
Sadly, Possum recently tested positive for FIV, and now needs a lot of care. Research has produced a regime of diet and alternative/homeopathic medication to keep him as well as possible, he also needs occasional antibiotics from the vet. We have however, learned a lot about this awful condition that affects many, many cats now, most probably going undiagnosed until developing symptoms.
Possum is now about eight years old and we hope he can continue being happy and content, and well as possible, for a few more years yet.
THE PHOENIX PET AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY PROTECTS
ANIMALS WHO HAVE SUFFERED.
ANIMALS WHO HAVE SUFFERED.
Iggy A phone call from Wales asked if we could take a young
iguana as the owner had a new baby and so had little time for her.
They assured us she was about two feet long, so a suitable tank was prepared for her. They arrived with a smallish square box and squashed into this was Iggy, not a two foot baby, but a four foot adult stroppy iguana! It was obvious they could no longer cope with
iguana as the owner had a new baby and so had little time for her.
They assured us she was about two feet long, so a suitable tank was prepared for her. They arrived with a smallish square box and squashed into this was Iggy, not a two foot baby, but a four foot adult stroppy iguana! It was obvious they could no longer cope with
her and nobody else would take her, hence the misinformation in their desperation to get rid of her. Such is the fate of many exotic creatures who grow and grow, and become too difficult to handle.