A fresh burst of color and conservation is coming to the Virgin Islands this month, as the Department of Planning and Natural Resources launches its annual Exotic Pet Amnesty Week from June 23 to 28, while additionally unveiling two new murals focused on invasive species awareness.
The amnesty coincides with National Pet Preparedness Month, a month that reminds pet owners about the importance of including pets in emergency plans.
This awareness month will be marked by two public mural unveiling events, with both ribbon-cutting ceremonies scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. The first will take place on June 24 at the Svend Aage Ovesen Seaplane Terminal in Christiansted, St. Croix. The second mural unveiling is scheduled for June 25 at the Charles F. Blair Seaplane Terminal in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.
“We are excited to work with local artists, Seaborne Airlines, and other stakeholders to spread awareness that while invasive species are some of the most common wildlife you see across the territory, they can spread diseases, disrupt delicate ecosystems, and harm fisheries and coastal habitats,” Nicole Angeli, director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, said. “DFW encourages everyone to do their part to help control these challenges.”
The murals, created by local artists Eliana Schuster-Brown and Heidi Gonzales, add vibrant color to each respective terminal while also highlighting a serious issue affecting nearly every island in the territory: the threat that invasive species pose to fragile ecosystems.
Invasive species disrupt the delicate balance of the island’s ecosystems by outcompeting local plants and animals for food and habitat, resulting in a decline of native species.
These changes harm biodiversity, endanger fisheries, and have a detrimental impact on the economy and the natural beauty of the islands, officials said.
DPNR’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Week allows residents to register their exotic animals for free and without penalty as part of the department’s effort to address environmental risks associated with non-native pets.
Throughout the week, island residents can register their exotic pets at the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s offices — Mars Hill on St. Croix and Tropical Marine on St. Thomas — between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pets may be brought in safely contained in a carrier bag, or if transportation isn’t possible, owners can bring a photo of the animal instead.
The list of eligible animals excludes livestock, such as chickens, ducks, or other farm animals, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Department.
Exotic Pet Amnesty Week is one of several initiatives DPNR is using to promote responsible pet ownership and protect the island’s natural resources.
The initiative offers a free, no-penalty opportunity to register exotic pets — including species such as African fat-tailed geckos and umbrella cockatoos — to help prevent non-native animals from escaping or being released into the wild, where they may impact the local ecosystem.
St. Croix Source
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