Rescued reptiles slither to campus

Did you know that animals are one of the most illegally traded things in the world, with reptiles being among the most trafficked? Millions of scaly creatures are smuggled worldwide each year, with the United States as a top destination. 

Rainforest Reptile Shows, an organization specializing in reptile rehabilitation, education, and live shows, collaborated with the Campus Activity Board (CAB) at Eastern to bring their rescued reptiles to students for “Wild Weekends” on Oct. 18. At the event, students learned about the illegal reptile trade and got to see some of nature's finest creations up close.     

“We have around 400 animals,” said Mack Rolbovsky, vice president of Rainforest Reptile Shows. “They’re illegally owned, and we collaborate with law enforcement to rescue them.”   

Rolbovsky has worked with animals at several zoological institutions across the United States before joining Rainforest Reptile Shows. Today, the organization hosts educational programs across New England, visiting schools, libraries, and universities with a mission to bring awareness to ethical conservation and illegal animal trade. 

Many animals at Rainforest Reptile Shows come from hoarding situations. Sally the Yellow-footed Tortoise was rescued with 100 other animals illegally held at a single location.   

Sally’s story isn’t unusual for rescued reptiles either. This past summer, NBC reported that two Hamden residents were charged after 50 illegally owned reptiles were seized from a warehouse.  

Reptiles seized by authorities are often neglected and malnourished. One of the reptiles present at the CAB event, Stella the Burmese python, was "skin and bones" according to Rolbovsky, and infested with mites when she was rescued. Now she’s full of life, becoming an icon of the sanctuary and happily slithering up to students.