Sick lizards, pythons and tortoises arrive at KC Pet Project in need of costly care

The KC Pet Project took in a group of large reptiles Tuesday, some of them suffering from illnesses because of neglect.

The new arrivals include two 7-foot boa constrictors with respiratory ailments and a pair of red-footed tortoises whose shells are collapsing from malnutrition.

Animal control officers seized the 10 reptiles from a home where they had been neglected, said Tori Fugate, a spokeswoman for the shelter. The KC Pet Project planned to move them into foster homes with people experienced in caring for these kinds of animals.

The reptiles are a ball python, a pewter ball python, three 6-foot carpet pythons, two 7-foot red-tailed boas, a savannah monitor lizard and the two tortoises.

The animal shelter sometimes brings in large groups of unusual pets. One week in January, the shelter took custody of an assortment of lizards, bearded dragons, iguanas, geckos, snakes and chickens.

Most of the animals will require extensive medical treatment, Fugate said. The snakes require several skilled handlers because of their upper respiratory illnesses. A local veterinarian specializing in reptile care assessed the most critical cases Tuesday afternoon and made plans for their treatment.

Fugate estimated that the medical costs for the reptiles could reach $1,000.

The KC Pet Project is asking for help from the public in caring for the animals. Donations for the medical costs can be made at donate.kcpetproject.org.

This story was originally published March 29, 2016 at 3:34 PM with the headline "Sick lizards, pythons and tortoises arrive at KC Pet Project in need of costly care."