In 2024, the rescue center of the Pairi Daiza Foundation took in 529 reptiles and amphibians.
A declining number, but there is still room for improvement.
In 2024, the Pairi Daiza Foundation’s rescue center, Le Refuge, took in 529 reptiles and amphibians. This represents a spectacular 23% decrease compared to 2023, when 685 animals were taken in.
The following species were specifically taken in during 2024:
- 317 red-/yellow-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta)
- 154 turtles of other species
- 19 lizards
- 37 snakes
- 2 spectacled caimans
This encouraging trend may indicate a growing awareness about the purchase and abandonment of exotic animals.
The 16% decrease in the number of red-/yellow-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta) — an invasive species banned in Europe since 2022 — may be a result of this regulation. By restricting the sale and breeding of these animals, European authorities have likely helped to slow down their spread and reduce the number of abandoned specimens.
Despite this positive trend, the majority of new arrivals continue to be abandoned animals.
In 2024, 508 animals — nearly 92% — were abandoned by their owners.
In addition, 19 specimens were taken in following seizures by Belgian authorities (FOD CITES, Animal Welfare of the Walloon Region, police), and 2 animals, a corn snake and a boa, were found in public spaces.
Le Refuge, the Rescue Center of the Pairi Daiza Foundation
Since 2003, Pairi Daiza, together with Pascal Dortu, has developed a rescue and protection center for reptiles, turtles, and other so-called “new pets” (NAC) that have been abandoned by private owners or found by authorities.
This work in rescue and awareness has been ongoing for more than 20 years. Since its creation, hundreds of animals have been entrusted to the center each year.
In addition to a mandatory quarantine period—to prevent the spread of any contagious diseases—reptiles and amphibians whose health is of concern are treated and gradually adapted to their new living conditions. In general, it is rarely possible to return confiscated or abandoned animals to their natural habitats.
However, rescued animals belonging to endangered species can be included in conservation programs aimed at preserving their species.
For turtles alone, the rescue center shelters a large number of species classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as severely threatened:
- 11 species critically endangered (CR)
- 8 species endangered (EN)
- 8 species vulnerable (VU)
These efforts highlight the crucial importance of nature conservation, where every protected species contributes to the fight against the alarming decline in biodiversity.
Johan Vreys