Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary is a 501c3 non-profit exotic animal sanctuary in German Valley, IL. They are not a rescue, per se, but rather a sanctuary that takes in unadoptable (because of temperament or health issues) exotic animals and provides them with a home and proper care for life. Occasionally, they take in animals from hoarder situations or other extreme situations and if they are adoptable, will adopt them out to qualified homes as pets.
On February 12th, they took in a group of rats from, a well-meaning couple who rescued a domesticated white rat from the jaws of a dog. After doing research, the couple learned that rats require company, and they found a female companion for the rat whom they believed to also be female. They must have overlooked the dragging no-no's, because the next thing they knew, they had a litter of baby rattums. Apparently, they didn't separate them from mama fast enough, because then there was another litter. And another.
All rescues within hundreds of miles turned them down, but Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary agreed to take them in. They were told there were about 20 rats in all, but when they got them, they were shocked to find 69! Not only that, but four of the girls were pregnant. The current count is somewhere around 110 rats.
I can't imagine the strain of trying to care for 110 rats - especially once the youngest are all furred, open-eyed, and active. These rats really need good homes. If you are in the vicinity of Northern Illinois and looking to adopt, I strongly encourage you to help them out over at Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. They are on Petfinder and on Facebook and they have a website. They are also the Travelling Rat's Rescue of the Month.
If you are not looking to adopt right now, but can help them with a donation, that would also be appreciated. And don't forget to spread the word.
So interesting and informative! I really appreciate your idea about donation. Thanks for sharing.
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