Northern Ireland Exotic Sanctuary

01/08/2026

**Applications closed**
Direct rehoming appeal

Please note, this animal is not currently in our care. Normal home check procedures and donation apply.

Marigold- 4-5 year old red footed tortoise adult. Approx 12 inch long plastron

Marigold is a smaller tortoise but makes up for that in confidence, she loves nothing more than being the centre of attention, give her a head scratch and a piece of fruit and she will be your best friend for life. She will require daily interactions. Marigold could possibly be cohabited with red foot females of a similar size if adequate space is available.

Will require a minimum of 8x2x2ft vivarium for solo habitation, much larger if cohabbing.

Red foot tortoises have drastically different care and diet requirements to the more commonly seen Mediterranean species, despite some shops selling them in the same setup. We have attached a basic care guide in the images, but ensure you have done proper research into the size, weight and care requirements once full grown.

Please send a private message if you’re interested in adopting Marigold.

26/07/2026

As well as our stray pet reptiles, we’ve also had a very busy week with stowaways following people back home from holidays or being found in imported goods.

It can be a huge surprise to open your case after returning from a trip and discovering a little friend that wasn’t there when you left.

So far this week we’ve had a little gecko from Thailand, a slow worm from England and a wall lizard from Italy.

Did you you there’s no formal process for stray reptiles or stowaways in Northern Ireland? Instead it comes down to rescues like us to ensure a safe space for them, arranging transport, and ensuring quarantine is maintained as strays can carry a risk of spreading illness or disease to our other animals as we don’t know their history.

We do all of this with no government funding, just your very generous donations and our team of volunteers taking time out of their day to collect strays and stowaways.

Linktr.ee/NIExotics

25/07/2026

Joeys big adventure 💚

Our Wednesday evening stray tortoise was collected by his very very grateful owner this morning.
Beautiful Joey here is almost 90 years young, and has been owned by his mummy since she was a young child.
Tortoises are a long term commitment with advanced care to keep their shells and bodies healthy, and Joeys health and condition is a testament to the dedication and commitment she has made to him over the decades.
Safe home Joey, and hope you’re feeling better soon from your adventure boo boos!

23/07/2026

Owner found ❤️

Owner found

Adult tortoise found last night near Portaferry Road, Newtownards

Proof of ownership required, please pm if it’s your or you have any info

23/07/2026

Owner found

Adult tortoise found last night near Portaferry Road, Newtownards

Proof of ownership required, please pm if it’s your or you have any info

23/07/2026

*Resharing*

We now believe this fairly old tortoise has been abandoned given the area it was found.

If anyone has any information please get in touch

Adult tortoise found Friday evening near Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick.

Proof of ownership required

21/07/2026

*sorted- help en route*
Is there anyone in the Whiteabbey area could help secure a small snake currently loose in a ladies car?
If you can help please pm us 🙂

19/07/2026

It’s now easier than ever to find our animals for rehoming!

Tristan has very kindly added ‘Reptiles’ to the search on the Pet Adoption Website, allowing you to narrow your search.

Check out our available animals below, more to be added this week

https://www.petadoptionwebsite.com/rescue/northern-ireland-exotic-sanctuary

19/07/2026

Is there a forever home out there for Mars? He’s a great little guy and has so much to give.

The poor lad has been ghosted so many times.

Meet Mars- Corn snake - a wonderful other who is looking for a new home!