Zoological Rescue and Education Coalition

03/07/2026

Rex relaxing in his swing. We keep a tire under it and low to the ground due to him missing that front leg!

Since the move and job change I have been very busy. There will be some snakes for adoption soon and there will be vacancy for intakes in the near future 😊

09/14/2025

Rex joined us a few weeks ago after his sanctuary had to unfortunately close. Unsure on Rex’s exact age, we do know he is older than 6 years old, and based on the history relayed, he may be 10-13. Rex is a tripod, missing his front right leg. This was a result of the leg becoming infected after having the declaw procedure done when he was younger. He also has what seems to be a chronic upper respiratory infection that we are treating and looking further into. Since his arrival, Rex has settled in great, enjoys meal time of course 😊, various toys, and has even been using his saucer swing (though I’ve not succeeded in capturing a photo!).

08/26/2025

We have moved to Yadkin County, NC in pursuit of many different exciting goals! And it sure didn’t take long to receive an unexpected intake! Luckily we were able to reunite this Sulcata with his owner. This boy had been missing for over a month! We are glad to now be a resource out here 😊

We are slowly re-establishing here and limiting intakes significantly until 2026, but excited to share more as we progress!

06/30/2025

From babies to gremlins, the transformation never gets old. I love seeing them fully prepared to take on the world 😆

(For this release, where they are released, there are houses available and food supplemented for them in order to make the transition easier)

05/27/2025

I speak with a lot of people who turn wildlife over after having kept it, people who want to keep wildlife they found and will argue there is nothing wrong with it (even though I stress it is illegal and you don’t truly know if something is wrong), and many people who hide animals because they think authority just enjoys euthanizing animals. There are regulations and protocols in place for a reason, and when it is a truly healthy animal or something than can be helped, we want them to successfully thrive where they should be. There are many situations like this one posted, and rabies is an awful death. Exposing you and your pets to other diseases and parasites is also horrible.

I cannot stress enough, if people want to own an exotic/wild animal, educate yourself, know your laws and how to go about acquiring an animal ethically, and understand how to protect yourself and your animals from potential harm.

Guys. Sigh. Sometimes I have no words. RVS species (rabies vector species) (c***s, Fox, skunk, bats) need to go IMMEDIATELY to someone licensed. IMMEDIATELY. I got a call from someone yesterday that had a baby for days, slept with it, fed it, let the dogs play with it… then decided help was needed when it started having seizures. When I got the video I was sick to my stomach. There’s EVERY indication this baby has rabies. Now an entire family has to get post-exposure vaccinations. It’s important to understand that if you handle an RVS bare handed, get scratched etc, depending on local laws and ordinances, a Rehabber will likely be FORCED to relinquish the animal for testing. It’s not up for discussion, right or wrong, the laws dictate our requirements. PLEASE don’t handle RVS animals without FULL protection.😡😡😡

05/26/2025

Juvenile opossums graduated to their first outdoor cage today. Some less thrilled than others. Recently receiving two additional juveniles, one rescued from a pool and one from a washing machine, they have advanced scary face skills due to having more “street” experience than the others. I’m sure they will be be great role models. Now adding more decor so they can decorate as they please 😊

05/26/2025

This beautiful pigeon was brought into the rescue when found to not be doing the best and showed up at someone’s house. This bird was not banded. Easily caught and handled. Missing several feathers and seemingly down on his luck, he has had a relatively quick turn around with basic care and treatment. If all goes as planned he will be searching for a loving home soon!

05/11/2025

ZooREC has two beautiful baby German Shepherd puppies for adoption. Looking for very responsible and active dog homes. Please fill out an adoption application on the website at www.zoorescue.org if you are interested in adopting.

05/07/2025

I know it’s been a while and I seriously need to get back to posting so everyone knows there is still so much in the works! There will be many changes this year and I am excited! Changing things up a bit so we can serve the areas of the animal field where we will make the most impact, even if it takes time.

Here is a snapper released after an observation time period once being removed from this trap. Luckily no damage was done to the shell. Trapped in an untagged Conibear trap that was likely set for beavers, we believe this snapper was stuck for quite a while due to lack of weight.

If you ever find an animal stuck in a trap, look for the trap tag. If there is no trap tag (contact info for the trapper), please reach out to the wildlife commission 800-662-7137 for further guidance.

Please be aware tampering with a trap is illegal, but trappers must follow laws and regulations as well. You can report violation information through the NCWRC's website or by texting "WILDTIP" and your tip to 847411.

01/02/2025

UPDATE: REUNITED!!! 💕

This bird friend was found as a stray out in the cold in the City of Raleigh last night. We are trying to locate their owner and would love help doing so. We will be screening to ensure the little one will be returned to the rightful owner. They are being held under our rescue in foster care for the duration of the stray hold.

12/05/2024

As you all are well aware, I am terrible about keeping up with the Facebook posts, but there is always plenty going on here!

With the holidays upon us, I often hear from past adopters more frequently which always makes this time more exciting. One of the most rewarding things in my life is receiving updates from the ZooREC “alumni”. Here are a handful of photos from a few of the recent updates I have received.

Rex- the Bearded Dragon on an adventure sporting her plush coat.

Daisy- formerly “Torterra”, the Sulcata Tortoise enjoying her bed among her pack mates.

Chiwi - formerly “Vali”, the Chihuahua taking her photo with Santa

Dixie - the Wolfdog, still enjoying her luxury life at Tigers for Tomorrow

Hemi - formerly “Toaster”, taking a stroll on the beach with his humans.

I love that so many souls have made their way to a family where they are so loved and well cared for.

10/18/2024

We have had a few different intakes lately, here are three of them! Bruce the Sulcata tortoise, Goose Goose the baby goose, and Pancake (lovingly named) the Bearded dragon. The baby goose came from RPD with an unknown story, we believe he was “attacked” by crows or pigeons due to the significant damage to his feathers. Bruce needed placement when his family had to move. Pancake, well, he has had a very rough start to life but shows he has such a personality and want to live!