Zoos and sanctuaries in Austria are full. The Happ reptile zoo is also at the end of its capacity. Helga Happ sounds the alarm. As part of a special exhibition, she urged reason.
Poisonous snakes, giant snakes, lizards, turtles – the list of confiscated and surrendered reptiles is endless and Carinthia’s reptile zoo Happ is currently the only Austria-wide sanctuary. Because all other zoos and facilities are full. Helga Happ is now called to emergencies throughout Austria. If, for example, there is a dead person in the apartment from a horned viper bite in Upper Austria, as in the previous year, Helga Happ has to come up with the blue light and put herself in danger to secure the poisonous reptile. Only then can officials enter the apartment. The expert works tirelessly around the clock not only to salvage abandoned or confiscated reptiles, but to house them in her zoo. “We have also been a rescue center since 2005. In the last 15 years, the number of animals taken in has increased by 1500 percent. With the special exhibition, I would like to draw attention to the fact that keeping reptiles is not only associated with specialist knowledge, but also with costs! “Reptile keeping must be reported”Anyone who acquires a reptile must report this to the responsible authority (municipal authority or district authority) within two weeks. In addition, it must be considered whether you have the financial means and whether you can accommodate the animal in a species-appropriate manner. In addition, there is the stamina to look after the animal for years, because reptiles are long-lived. Ball python per day: 7 euros Bearded dragon per day: 6.50 euros Large lizard per day: 15 euros The costs are made up of the terrarium, heating and light, electricity, food, consumables and expert reports. The keeping of dangerous animals (poisonous snakes, spiders, boa constrictors, etc.) is regulated by the individual federal states through ordinances (police and state security laws). Anyone who would like to support the Happ reptile zoo can do so in the form of a sponsorship or simply visit the zoo regularly.
source site-12