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FAQS
Our pet turtle has outgrown his tank. Can we donate him to the E.C.O. Center?
We do not accept surrenders of pet turtles, snakes, fish, lizards, frogs, etc. As a native wildlife exhibitor, an animal purchased in the pet-trade industry does not meet our criteria. Please do NOT release your pet into the wild. Contact a local pet store or the place where you purchased your pet. For reptiles, you can also reach out to Georgia Herpetological Association & Rescue or the Georgia Reptile Society. Remember, reptiles, and especially turtles, can often live 20+ years in captivity - keep this in mind when selecting a family pet.
As the saying goes, "If you care, leave them there!" Wildlife can be amazingly resilient and will take care of itself. Most often when we try to intervene with seemingly injured or orphaned wildlife, we do more harm than good. Georgia law only permits wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources or the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife to legally treat wild animals. The E.C.O. Center is neither licensed nor equipped to rehabilitate wildlife. Click HERE for a list of what to do if you come across sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals in Georgia.
My 12 year old loves reptiles, can he volunteer with the E.C.O. Center?
We love when children are inspired to work with wildlife and hope the E.C.O. Center will always be a resource for them. However, volunteers under the age of 18 must apply via a school program such as work-based learning, an assignment for job shadowing, career development, etc. For more information on volunteering, click HERE.
RESOURCES
Learn about City of Rome departments, processes, and events.
KRFB is a partner program of the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center offering litter prevention education programs, beautification events, and volunteer opportunities.
Learn about Floyd County government departments, processes, and events.
Georgia DNR is a useful tool for exploring more about Georgia's wildlife. Here you will find a wealth of information on hunting & fishing regulations, licenses, living with wildlife, edu resources, and more.
If you are looking for information on migratory birds, habitat conservation planning, or endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website will provide all of this and more.
The SREL website is your go-to for identifying species of reptiles and amphibians that call Georgia home. Every turtle, snake, frog, lizard, etc. has a profile with pictures for identification and information on habitat, range, habits, and the like.
To learn more about pollinator conservation, habitat management, integrated pest management, and more, visit Bee City USA.
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