SARASOTA, FL (AP) -- People who purchased or raised pricey exotic animals during good economic times are losing their homes or their jobs and can no longer take care of them -- and are putting the creatures up for adoption.
According to the owners of Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota County, exotic pets such as tortoises, monkeys and even raccoons have been dropped off at the no-kill shelter in recent months.
At the same time, donations have been harder to find, and every animal means more costs for the nonprofit. Bills add up for food, building habitats, veterinarians and heating.
