“Recycled Reptiles” At Parham Family Fun Day

May 29, 2013

Youngsters had a chance to mingle with a wide range of exotic reptiles at the Parham Family Fun Day, which took place at the Parham fairgrounds on May 26. Christina Gable is the founder and owner of Recycled Reptiles of Kingston where she, along with three volunteers, runs a home rescue operation for sick, neglected, and mistreated reptiles.

Gable brought a boa constrictor named George to the fun day, which she estimates is about 20 years old and was rescued from a former home where it had suffered injuries, including cuts and burns. The injuries were treated after it was rescued.

Daryl Leonard, who volunteers with Gable, was showing off a large iguana named Iggnatzz, which was rescued from an owner who was sent to jail.

Gable has been rescuing animals for years and after tending to their health needs she aims to find them permanent new homes. She does shows to educate people about reptiles and to let potential owners know exactly what they are getting into before they acquire one. “I want to educate people and let them know that they need to do a lot of research before considering an exotic reptile,” she said. “These creatures often require special equipment to survive which can be expensive and also special everyday care.”

Iguanas, for example, require a basking area, special UVB lighting, plus a heat source to remain healthy. They also must be fed a salad and fruit every day plus special pellets to remain healthy. Boas require an aquarium, a heat source and lights and George will eat 2-3 large frozen and thawed rats per day.

Daryl Leonard reiterated the importance of potential owners knowing exactly what they are getting into before impulsively acquiring one of these exotic creatures. “All animals are a responsibility and not just a way to entertain your own needs. People need to make sure that are able to meet the needs of the animal before they go ahead and acquire one for their own needs.” For more information about Recycled Reptiles or if you know of any reptiles that need help, contact Christina Gable at 613-893-0991or visit her on Facebook at recycledreptiles. You can also donate to her business, which is not for profit.

The Family Fun Day was a fundraiser for the Relay for Life team, June’s Angels.