News

Rescue says surrenders are surging while adoptions have slowed, creating an urgent need to find homes for exotic pets

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) will begin accepting applications on Saturday, August 22, for its upcoming Clear the Shelters Adoption Event, where adoption fees will be waived for approved applicants.

August events will feature waived adoption fees for hamsters, parakeets, leopard geckos, and other exotic pets, along with a monthlong name-your-price sale on used supplies

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is asking the community for help as animal surrenders continue to rise while adoptions remain significantly lower than needed. Throughout August, the Neenah-based exotic pet rescue will host four Clear the Shelters events designed to help more animals find safe, caring homes. Adoption fees will be waived for qualifying animals placed through these events. Approved applications and appointments are still required.

As Wisconsin observes Invasive Species Action Month in June, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is urging members of the public not to release goldfish into local waterways or dispose of them in the trash following reports that unwanted carnival goldfish may have been released into a canal and discarded during recent festival activities.

Families are invited to travel back in time and explore the prehistoric world during “Prehistoric Pets at the Library,” a live animal experience presented by J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue at the Kimberly Public Library on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Due to anticipated interest, the program will be offered twice, with presentations scheduled from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM at 515 W Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI 54136.

Families across Northeast Wisconsin are invited to travel back in time this summer as J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue presents “Prehistoric Pets at the Library,” a live animal educational experience connecting modern animals to the prehistoric world. On Friday, June 12, 2026, the organization will host three free presentations in Kaukauna and Gillett as part of local Summer Reading Programs.

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue supports several of the recently approved updates to Wisconsin’s native reptile and amphibian regulations, particularly the new 24-hour possession rule and the ban on turtle races and frog jumping contests.

Plant lovers from across the Fox Valley are invited to celebrate summer surrounded by greenery, flowers, and community at the Fox Valley Plant Fair – Summer Edition, presented by Mythical Plants and benefiting J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. The event will take place on Saturday, June 13th, at Lucky Dog’z, 157 S Green Bay Rd, Neenah, WI 54956.

Families are invited to enjoy an engaging outdoor learning experience as J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue joins Wildlife Wednesday at Menominee Park Zoo. This free, family-friendly program will take place on the zoo grounds at 520 Pratt Trail, Oshkosh, WI 54901, with no registration required. Guests can find the program on the lawn behind the aviary.

Educational Event Highlights Turtle Conservation, Adoptions, and Hands-On Learning

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR), Wisconsin’s #1 turtle rescue, invites the public to celebrate World Turtle Day at a special educational event on Saturday, May 23rd from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at their rescue facility.

J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is reporting a sharp increase in large-scale exotic pet surrenders during the first part of 2026, creating an urgent need to find new homes for dozens of animals.

Plant lovers, hobbyists, and families alike are invited to celebrate the beauty of nature at the Fox Valley Plant Fair, happening Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Neenah, 123 E Wisconsin Ave, Neenah, WI 54956.

Pet owners looking for a safe, responsible way to rehome their exotic pets will have an opportunity this month to do just that. J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR), in partnership with Ledgeview Nature Center, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes, will host an Exotic Pet Surrender Event on Saturday, June 28th, from 12 PM to 3 PM at the Calumet County Park Shelter (N6150 County EE, Hilbert, WI 54129).