Wiltshire Reptile Rescue centre reaches capacity amid cost-of-living crisis
The site is unable to accept any more reptiles
Last updated 23rd Aug 2022
The Wiltshire Reptile Rescue (WRR) centre has officially reached capacity, less than six months after opening.
Rising living costs have caused an increasing number of local owners to hand in their exotic animals, such as snakes and lizards.
WRR, which is the county's only dedicated centre for reptiles, has confirmed it's now full and unable to accept any more.
After founding the charity in March, Steve Todman has cared for the pets from his home in Marlborough.
The animal-lover says he's been "obsessed with reptiles" since his youth, having a bearded dragon as his first ever pet. His childhood idol was the late Australian zookeeper Steve Irwin.
The Wiltshire resident went onto breed his own reptile collection, before falling badly ill and subsequently having to give many of the animals away.
After undergoing a kidney transplant in May 2021, and returning to full health, Steve decided to launch WRR.
The facility, which Steve runs entirely on his own, contains three of his animals and more than 20 others which have been released by their original owners.
The reptiles are provided with medication, warmth and care from Steve's lounge!
'Energy costs are going through the roof'
According to WRR's founder, the current financial climate is a significant reason for many people who are needing to give up their pets.
"I think the cost-of-living crisis has definitely played a part in it, because obviously energy costs are going through the roof.
"(Reptile tanks) are lit-up, there's heating in them as well. It does really add to the electricity bill.
"I wouldn't say that is the only reason. There are always animals that need new homes, but it (rising cost of living) is definitely playing a factor these days," he told Greatest Hits Radio.
'I'm perfectly happy to do it'
The centre is, and always will be, not-for-profit. Despite not making any financial gain, and being bitten by reptiles "countless times," Steve explains why he continues to give the exotic species hours of his time.
"They are just better than people, I guess!
"It's always been something I've had a passion for. I've just loved it and I've never really got to a point where I thought: 'I'm not enjoying this, I don't want to do it anymore'.
"I'm perfectly happy to do it, someone has to do it. I enjoy it, it's all different challenges," he said.
Steve is now encouraging residents across Swindon and Wiltshire to consider donating to his fundraising page, which will help pay for the upkeep of the reptiles.