As many of you know, I make my living as a herpetology educator (reptile and amphibian lecturer) and supplement that with part-time work for HHYF and DRF, etc. As time has gone on, many agencies have called on us to adopt or rescue unwanted reptiles - The Cleveland Kennel, Youngstown Humane Society, Animal Protective League, Lake Erie Nature Center, Hocking Woods Nature Center and various local MetroParks are just a few. We have even rescued boa constrictors in Vincennes, Indiana and a entire collection of smaller snakes from Pensacola, FL.
Recent incidents- a boa left outside to die on the west sde of Cleveland (who we are now rehabbing)and the trailer park python release in Athens last week, for instance, combined with the fact that in the last five days I have rescued reptiles from Maria Stein, OH; Mt Vernon, OH; and Canal Fulton, OH, have made the need for an actual reptile rescue facility in Northeast Ohio very clear.
As a result,, our rescue operation has grown to the point that we will be spinning it off into a separate 501(C)3 venture. We have a Board of Directors in place and are close to renting a facility, which includes a greenhouse. This will allow us to build out tortoise runs, a 25x5x8 foot iguana enclosure and several turtle (and possibly gator) ponds.
Relax. I am nor asking for money. Yet 
What we DO need immediately is several large dog cages 42" or 48",, or outdoor dog kennels to house larger lizards and small tortoises temporarily. We can pay a small amount, but not retail for these items, if we need to. And to be clear, our non-profit status s not finalized, so material donations ARE NOT tax deductible.
We will probably be looking for volunteers and cash donations in the future. I will keep everyone apprised of our progress.
Thanks
Giss
