Less loveable animals find refuge in Wanaque at Snakes-N-Scales and Turtle Tales

This ball python was unintentionally burned when its owner used a 500-watt flood light to keep it warm. (Photo courtesy of Snakes-N-Scales and Turtle Tales)

Recently there was a video clip online about a retired civil servant  in Britain who has some unusual housemates — namely Rocky the iguana, Hector the monitor lizard and Caesar the crocodile.
Because April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, now’s a good time to mention rescue efforts being done on behalf of what many may consider less-than-cuddly kinds of critters, like those kept by people such as Britain’s Crocodile Dundee wannabe mentioned above.
Often these types of animals are owned by people with no knowledge of  how to properly care for them, or who have little understanding of the inherent nature of these creatures.  While the “cruelty” is sometimes unintentional — occurring because of the owner’s ignorance regarding proper care and handling – it also can result from intentional harm.
While abuse against domesticated animals usually is well-publicized, the same often isn’t true when it comes to cold-blooded species. Just ask Bill Boesenberg, owner of  Snakes-N-Scales and Turtle Tales in Wanaque. It’s the largest Animal Outreach Educational Organization of  its kind in New Jersey. In his work, he often encounters the abuse and neglect of these less-endearing animals.
His mission is to remove them from harm, rehabilitate them and return them to health, whenever possible.  Along with his staff of dedicated animal caretakers and educators,  Boesenberg, an expert in the field of herpetology (reptiles), strives to teach the public about the value of these animals in the wild, while  discouraging them from keeping them as household pets. These animals, he explains, require special care and handling.
Snakes-N-Scales maintains over 500 reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Boesenberg and his Snakes-N-Scales staff present informative, educational and fun programs and parties for audiences of all ages ( including school groups, Scouts and other organizations)  in an effort to share their concern and respect for these unique animals.
While Boesenberg and his educators enjoy sharing the lighter side of  their work with audiences — the alligators pulled out of people’s pools or the monitor lizard found wandering along the turnpike –  they also share stories of  the more tragic incidents, too. Like the ball python that was burned when its owner decided to use a 500-watt flood light to replace the recommended 50-watt tank light to keep it warm. Or, a turtle with a hole drilled into its shell and a hook inserted so that a leash could be attached.
Many of the Snakes-N-Scales animals were rescued from a variety of  situations. Some were  unwanted or abused pets, others were confiscated by authorities or picked up in neighborhoods, along roads or  from abandoned apartments, but all of them now have found a safe, secure haven under the care of Boesenberg and his trained staff, who provide them with proper nourishment, appropriate habitats and medical attention for the rest of their lives.
Interested in learning more? Call 973-248-9964 or e-mail bill@snakes-n-scales.com.