10/12/2026
**We've reached a "come to Jesus" moment at HerpHaven Reptile Rescue and Sanctuary.**
And we need to have an honest conversation with our community about where things stand, what the future may look like, and why we need your help.
The reality is that animal rescue is in crisis. Not just here in Maine, but across New England and throughout the country. Over the past several years, countless rescues have been forced to close their doors, overwhelmed by rising operating costs, dwindling resources, and an unrelenting number of animals needing help.
HerpHaven has not been immune to these challenges.
For the past three years, we have operated at or beyond capacity. The number of surrender requests we receive has continued to grow, while the resources available to meet those needs have become increasingly stretched.
On March 1 of this year, we made the difficult decision to restrict intakes to absolute emergencies—abandoned animals, strays, and reptiles facing serious medical crises.
**Even with those restrictions, we have taken in more than 90 animals so far in 2026.** And the year isn't over yet.
Over the past six months, we have had numerous difficult conversations about whether we could realistically continue operating the rescue side of HerpHaven. We had actually made the decision to begin winding down rescue operations on January 1, 2027, and shift our focus entirely to the Sanctuary.
That was not a decision we made lightly. It was heartbreaking, but it was also one we believed had become necessary.
On a personal level, the financial and emotional toll of keeping the rescue operating has been significant. My personal finances and mental health have both taken a serious beating this year. I share that not to ask for sympathy, but because I believe it's important to be transparent about what it takes to keep a rescue like ours running.
**The people behind rescue organizations are human, too. We have limits, even when our hearts want us to keep going.**
But something has changed.
With Mr. Drew closing the education center in Poland and no longer accepting surrendered animals, HerpHaven is now the only nonprofit reptile rescue still operating in Southern Maine.
We've looked into the other reptile-specific rescues throughout New England. A Shedding Chance in Connecticut is no longer accepting pet reptiles, having shifted its focus to native species. Forever Home in Rhode Island has announced that it is stepping back from rescue.
That leaves HerpHaven, Serpent Sanctuary in Bangor, and Morphs and Milestones in New Hampshire as the three reptile-specific rescues we've identified that are still operating and accepting surrendered pet reptiles across New England.
And the need for rescue hasn't diminished simply because the number of organizations able to help has.
**Three rescues. Six states.**
Think about that for a moment.
Three organizations trying to provide a safety net for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates across an entire region.
And behind every surrender request is an animal whose future is uncertain. An animal that may need medical care, rehabilitation, specialized husbandry, or simply a safe place to land.
If rescues like ours disappear, where do those animals go?
That's the question we keep coming back to. And it's the reason we've decided that, despite everything, we're not ready to walk away.
**For now, we are putting our plans to close the rescue on hold.**
Instead, we're pivoting once again. We're looking carefully at what needs to change, what is sustainable, and how we can continue serving the reptile community without sacrificing the well-being of the people making that work possible.
We have some solid ideas in development, and we're hopeful that these changes will allow us to continue providing rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates for at least another year or two.
We aren't going to pretend we have all the answers. We don't. And we can't promise that the road ahead will be easy.
But we believe these animals deserve someone willing to try.
**And that's where you come in.**
We know times are difficult for everyone. We know that not everyone is in a position to donate, adopt, or volunteer. But there are still meaningful ways you can help us continue this work.
❤️ **Choose adoption.** If you're considering adding a reptile to your family, please consider adopting rather than purchasing from a big-box pet store or questionable online supplier. There are so many wonderful animals waiting for homes, and every successful adoption allows us to help another animal in need.
❤️ **Donate if you're able.** Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Even $5 helps provide food, supplies, medical care, and safe housing for animals who depend on us. Small donations add up, and they truly do matter.
❤️ **Stay connected.** Follow our page, react to our posts, and leave comments. Those simple interactions help our posts reach more people, which means more opportunities for adoptions, donations, and community support.
❤️ **Share our posts.** Especially our adoption listings and fundraisers. You may not be able to adopt or donate yourself, but someone in your circle might be able to. Sometimes a single share can make all the difference.
**We don't want HerpHaven to become another rescue that quietly closes its doors.**
For years, we've been there for animals who had nowhere else to go. We've taken in the sick, the injured, the neglected, the unwanted, and the forgotten. We've celebrated recoveries, mourned losses, and poured more of ourselves into this work than we ever imagined we would.
And we still believe in what we do.
But believing in the mission and being able to sustain it are two very different things.
**We cannot continue doing this alone.**
We're not asking anyone to save us. We're asking our community to stand alongside us so that, together, we can continue being there for the animals who need us.
To everyone who has adopted, donated, volunteered, shared a post, offered encouragement, or supported HerpHaven in any way over the years: thank you. You've helped us make a difference in the lives of more animals than you may ever realize.
We hope you'll continue walking alongside us as we figure out what comes next.
**Because these animals still need somewhere to go. And we're going to do everything we reasonably can to make sure HerpHaven can continue being that place.** ❤️🦎
If you would like to donate to our continued mission, you can do so by clicking on the "Donate" button below, or PayPal ([email protected]), or Venmo ( UNDER CHARITIES)
