MISSION STATEMENT:
Raptor Rescue Iguana Sanctuary has two very specific missions. (1)- To save as many iguanas as possible from being at the mercy of owners or caregivers who do not know or care to know the specific needs of this amazing creature. My philosophy when I opened the rescue was that: If at least one iguana is spared, then this rescue mission has served it's purpose.
Our second mission at Raptor Rescue is (2)- To influence legislation throughout the entire United States to mandate that retail stores who sell exotic animals need to educate their customers thoroughly on the needs of that animal before they sell the animal. This hypothetical law would require that potential buyers of exotic animals watch either a short film, pass a short quiz, or simply read veterinarian-approved literature regarding the basic heating, diet, lighting, husbandry, etc. of the animal. Also, included in my legislative efforts, I will aim to put an end to the common practice of baby iguanas being given out in mass quantities at fairs and carnivals.
Here at Raptor Rescue, we believe education is the key to decreasing the frighteningly high percentage of iguanas who will die prematurely. Statistics provided from herpcenter.com state that "9 out of 10 iguanas that are currently on the market will be abandoned or die within their first year." Statistics from nearly every other reptile forum and or organization all agree that more than half will die within the first year, some even estimating percentages as high as 97%. This is disturbing to us here at Raptor Rescue and we are trying to make a difference by attacking the problem right off the bat, in the form of education BEFORE the purchase of the iguana. This kind of leads into our second mission. To address this, contact has been made with our state legislators, senators, congressmen and governor proposing this idea and asking for assistance to put this plan into action. With the support of Senator B.L. "Buddy" Shaw, we are hoping that our bill goes before the Louisiana State Senate this spring and becomes implemented soon thereafter. We urge you, as fellow iguana lovers, to do the same and contact your local government with your concerns, after all, this is what they are there for.