A Perth woman running a shelter for exotic creatures from her home is hoping to one day open a new rescue centre in the Fair City.
Edita Kuratkova (38) houses over 20 neglected and disabled reptiles and amphibians she has rescued and believes such a facility would be the first of its kind in Perth.
Edita lives with her 13-year-old son as well as fascinating creatures such as bearded dragons, axolotls (a type of salamander), frogs and even turtles who occupy her kitchen, living room and bedroom.
And she not only wants to shelter these neglected exotic pets at the new centre but provide an adoption service and education sessions for local children.
The former drug and alcohol counsellor, who has helped rehome a number of pets already, said: “I had an axolotl before and there was a bearded dragon that needed rescuing so I took it in and that is how it all started.
“I decided I wanted to create something and work for myself and do something different.
“Then the animals came from whoever contacted me or needed help with them.
“I only started six months ago and it has grown and grown. I run it from my own house and I don’t have an official premises as of yet.
“Our house is rearranged for it and it has overtook everything - I think we have around eleven tanks and my bedroom even has a vivarium in it!
“There is nothing like that in Perth but at the moment it is a rescue centre and we rehome to suitable homes.
“It feels right to help them as some families don’t want them anymore or can’t look after them and I can help.”
Edita hopes a potential new centre can function under charitable status.
“It is in my head at the moment to one day open an official exotic rescue centre in Perth”, she added.
“I am applying for it to be a Community Interest Company - which is like charitable status - as just now I am doing everything myself financially and physically.
“The centre would be a small place where families could come and look at the animals or adopt them and learn about them.
“But at the moment it is far in the future and my ideas are big but I think will get there but may need a sponsor, a fundraiser or make it a community project.”
Edita wants to provide a place that can support the “physical and mental health” of the reptiles and amphibians before they find new homes.
She said: “The important thing is the physical health and mental health of the animals, as some people don’t believe the animals have emotions.
“My experiences are completely different.
“I have got quite a lot of parents that would like their children to get involved and work with the animals too.
“I feel absolutely content and it is hard work but I love it. I consider animals equal and if I can save one animal it is worth doing.”
