There has been an increase in the number of surrendered reptiles due to the cost of living crisis as well as long-term financial effects of covid-19. Mitcham Zoo has taken on a large number of these animals including Blue Eyed Lucys, Bearded Dragons and Iguanas.

Mitcham Zoo is a family run animal rescue and rehoming centre which specialises in exotics. They have been providing a safe and loving environment to any unwanted, sick or injured reptiles for 15 years.

In October of this year, they received 130 reptiles with a shocking record high of 19 in on October 11th. Currently, there are 111 reptiles inside the zoo.

Among their many rescues is an Indian Star Tortoise which was found in Carshalton Ponds. Gareth North (co-runner of the zoo) explained that this tortoise should never be oustide, not even on a warm day and certainly should not be around deep water.

Another rescue is the Blue Eyed Lucy Python, which crawled under its heating mat and burnt its head and belly. Unfortunately, the owner could not afford the vet bills. Mitcham Zoo has been treating its burns since August and has almost fully recovered.

The Cost of Living Crisis, long term effects of Covid and people getting bored of their exotics are some of the reasons behind the influx of surrenderings. Mitcham Zoo funds its operation with animal encounters to schools and TV shows. They aim to educate people on the animals' circumstances and how they could go about rehoming one. One of their tortoises 'Troy' was on the ITV pets show. 

"We don't judge," said Gareth, "You can ring me tonight, no problem. We don't want to hear the reasons. All I want to know is: do I need to take it to the vet and does it have any medication or dietary restrictions? That's all I want to know."

If you are struggling to look after your reptile, please contact Mitcham Zoo or the NCRW at Tonbridge (National Centre for Reptile Welfare). They will provide full support with zero judgement.

If you are thinking of acquring a reptile, consider rehoming one. Mitcham Zoo and the NCRW have many reptiles in desperate need of a home.