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Tired of your lion? Give it up

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 7, 2009

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission workers are holding an amnesty event today where unwanted nonnative pets can be handed over with no questions asked.

The program is offered only a few times a year in cities across the state. Today's event at Busch Gardens is co-sponsored by the city of Plant City. Exotic pets may be brought to the parking lot at the northeast corner of McKinley Drive and Bougainvillea Avenue, between Adventure Island and Busch Gardens, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The goal is to get unwanted, nonnative pets into homes of adoptive owners and keep them off the streets and out of the woods behind the houses, where some species can infringe on the habitat of native animals. Nonnative reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and invertebrates are welcome. Domestic pets such as dogs, cats or ferrets will not be accepted. Wildlife experts also will be on hand to help exotic-pet owners who don't wish to give up their pets but want advice.

A staff report

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