You may have noticed Zoolife has started to get a little more cold-blooded. Last month we introduced a new partner to the Zoolife family – the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. This also included the addition of a new animal habitat – the American alligator. While you may have had a chance to meet the gators already, there is still a lot you may not know about the sanctuary. For example, did you know the sanctuary is the largest reptile sanctuary in the United States? It’s true! And, that’s not the only amazing fact about them!
The sanctuary features large pools for their crocodilians to swim, bask, and lounge in. Charley and Lucy can often be seen lounging in it together as seen here!
Animal shelters and wildlife rescues are a common sight for those seeking to help companion animals like dogs and cats. This is even true for wild mammals and birds native to a specific area. However, organizations who accept unwanted or rescued reptiles are few and far between.
The lack of accessibility to reptile rescues puts reptile owners in bad situations. It gives them no outlet for relinquishing ownership should the need arise. It also does not give them a chance to learn more accurate, reliable information about the husbandry of reptiles. This leads to many pets being abandoned or wild animals suffering instead of having a chance to be rehabilitated.
Three long-time, passionate reptile enthusiasts decided to change that for Arizona reptiles in 2001. The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary was born.
Over the past 21 years, the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary has blossomed into the largest reptile sanctuary in the United States. A team of over twenty volunteers provide care for hundreds of reptiles who call the sanctuary home. The team also works to rehabilitate and relocate injured native reptiles that find their way there.
The sanctuary regularly partners with wildlife officials, law enforcement, and zoological facilities to find homes for unwanted or seized reptiles. In fact, 90% of the animals who call the sanctuary home are rehomed from the pet trade.
In addition to reptile rescues, it is also home to an extensive schedule of various educational programs. The programs vary from hosting field trips to reptile-themed birthday parties and even classroom programs or professional development workshops. Each year PHS visits with over 250,000 school-aged children as part of that education effort.
One of the longtime dreams of the founders was to have a wildlife education center onsite – a goal recently completed. The building’s custom design accommodates visitors with disabilities who were unable to experience reptile zoos or conservation education programs before. The sanctuary believes that everyone should be able to learn about wildlife and the environment. This center as well as other ongoing projects will continue to make this belief possible.
The partnership between the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary and Zoolife means supporting their cause is even more possible. Access to online live streams helps us reach a larger audience and make a difference for reptiles together.
Want to help support the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary and see American alligators from the comfort of your own home? Visit https://www.zoolife.tv/phoenixherp today to support them through a Zoolife subscription!
