Building toward a lawful specialized placement option—without overstating where we are today.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program provides a lawful pathway for owners who need to rehome eligible nonnative pets rather than release them into Florida’s environment. The Institute supports that public-safety purpose and intends to pursue any applicable approvals needed to serve as a future specialized placement resource.
We are building the facility and compliance foundation first.
Florida Exotic Avian Sanctuary & Preservation Institute, Inc. is developing its future sanctuary program and is not currently an FWC-approved facility, adopter, placement site, or partner.
We are developing the sanctuary, policies, containment systems, staff plans, and emergency procedures so that applications for applicable FWC captive-wildlife, Conditional Species, Prohibited Species, or other authorizations can be responsibly evaluated when the site, facility, staffing, and documentation are ready. Approval decisions belong solely to the appropriate regulatory authorities.
Until then, anyone who needs to rehome a nonnative animal should contact FWC directly through its Exotic Pet Amnesty Program or the Invasive Species Hotline. The program’s current processes, species eligibility standards, and available placement options control.
Visit FWC's Exotic Pet Amnesty Program
FWC Invasive Species Hotline: 888-Ive-Got1 (888-483-4681)
Specialized capacity for birds that need specialized care.
The Institute’s intended focus is not a general-purpose rescue model. We are planning for nonnative softbills, passerines, and other high-needs exotic birds whose nutritional, enclosure, behavioral, disease-control, and long-term care requirements can differ from those of large parrots.
If the Institute is approved in the future for relevant activities, any admission decision will remain limited by the permit scope, species-specific requirements, available safe capacity, veterinary considerations, and the welfare needs of the individual animal. No future approval can be presumed.
Designed to meet applicable requirements before any regulated animal is housed.
Our design objective is not merely an attractive aviary. It is a facility capable of supporting lawful, species-appropriate, and auditable operations. Before accepting any regulated species, we intend to complete the permits, inspections, written plans, staff training, and facility safeguards required for that species and use category.
- Species-specific enclosure and containment planning, including secure-entry double-door vestibules and predator-proof construction
- Controlled intake, isolation, quarantine, sanitation, and veterinary-care protocols for every incoming animal
- Written critical-incident, hurricane, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and continuity-of-care plans
- Documented inventory, animal-record, and chain-of-custody practices as applicable
- Admissions limited to the facility’s lawful permit scope, verified capacity, and species-appropriate care
- No public exhibition, breeding, transfer, or release except as specifically authorized
“Designed to meet or exceed applicable standards” is an operational goal—not a statement of current FWC certification. Final requirements vary by species, permit category, site conditions, and agency review.
The best surrender crisis is the one prevented before acquisition.
Alongside sanctuary development, we are building education resources that encourage prospective owners to understand diet, social needs, enclosure requirements, veterinary access, legal responsibilities, and the long-term commitment involved in keeping an exotic bird. Responsible decisions before acquisition reduce the likelihood of crisis surrender, escape, and illegal release later.
Need to rehome an exotic bird right now?
Contact FWC's Exotic Pet Amnesty Program directly for the fastest, most reliable path to a qualified adopter today. If you'd like to talk with us about the specialized species we're preparing to serve, or explore how you can support this program as it develops, we'd love to hear from you.