J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) is celebrating a successful Clear the Shelters Month after finding homes for 236 animals during August, including 39 animals during its Clear the Shelters celebration on Saturday, August 29.
The month-long effort helped exotic pets ranging from reptiles and birds to fish and small mammals find new homes while creating much-needed space at JRAAR's Rescue & Education Center in Neenah.
Among the animals that found homes during the August 29 celebration were Genesis the Leopard Gecko, Odin the Water Dragon, Tokka the Alligator Snapping Turtle, Albus and Snowy the Lovebirds, Lemon and Lime the Conures, and Croissant and Chiquita the Banana Ball Pythons.
For the August 29 celebration, JRAAR waived its regular adoption fees for participating approved families and instead asked adopters and community members to make voluntary donations to support the rescue.
JRAAR waived $2,020 in adoption fees during the event. The organization hoped to replace that amount through donations, but ultimately raised only $908.15, leaving a $1,111.85 shortfall. Donations replaced approximately 45% of the fees waived.
While the organization considers 236 placements an enormous success for the animals involved, the fundraising results highlight a growing challenge facing the rescue.
"I couldn't be happier that we found great homes for so many animals this month. Seeing 236 animals leave our care, including 39 in a single day, is exactly why we do this work," said John Moyles, founder and director of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. "At the same time, we're struggling. The demand for surrenders remains incredibly high, while the demand for adoptions has been low, and we're seeing very few donations coming in. We want to continue saying yes to animals that have nowhere else to go, but we need the community's help to make that possible."
JRAAR has seen firsthand the growing imbalance between the number of exotic animals needing placement and the number of families seeking to bring them home. Unlike traditional dog and cat shelters, exotic animal rescues frequently care for animals requiring specialized housing, lighting, heating, filtration, diets, and long-term husbandry.
The organization continues to receive requests from owners who can no longer care for fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals.
Clear the Shelters Month helped create critical space, but JRAAR says the need does not end with August.
The fundraising shortfall from the August 29 event also raises questions about whether JRAAR will be financially able to repeat a waived-fee Clear the Shelters celebration in the same format next year.
"We know there are people in our community who care deeply about these animals," Moyles said. "Not everyone can adopt, but people can still make a difference by donating, volunteering, sharing our animals, or simply telling someone about the rescue. Every bit of support helps us keep the doors open for the next animal that needs us."
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is a Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofit exotic animal rescue and education organization based in Neenah. Its mission focuses on providing responsible alternatives to the release of unwanted exotic pets, finding appropriate homes for surrendered animals, educating the public about responsible pet ownership, and helping prevent the introduction of invasive species.
Since its founding in 2020, JRAAR has helped more than 13,000 animals through its rescue, placement, surrender, and educational efforts.
Those interested in supporting JRAAR, viewing animals currently in its care, volunteering, or learning more about its programs can visit: