ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Animal service workers agree that pets look cute under a Christmas tree, but people should think twice before giving them as a holiday gift.
Freya, a crested gecko, lives at Eclectic Exotics Rescue and Rehab. Before that, she was given to someone as a Christmas gift.
Neglect she experienced at her previous home led her to have severe metabolic bone disease, which is caused by improper lighting and diet.
“Surviving is not thriving; that is one of our mottos. Just because you can stick her in a ten-gallon tank, feeding her crickets three times a week, and just kind of looking at her doesn’t mean it’s good for her,” said Kayla Campbell from Eclectic.
By June, 80% of exotic animals purchased for Christmas will be rehomed, given away, extremely sick, or dead, according to Eclectic.
