Memphis ‘snake factory’ transplants slither into their new home in Louisiana 2023
A Louisiana animal sanctuary recently welcomed a group of reptilian residents from Memphis, Tennessee, known as the “snake factory”. These snakes were bred for use in the fashion industry, but now they have a new lease on life.
The snakes arrived at the Wild at Heart Rescue animal sanctuary in Vinton, Louisiana, after being rescued from a breeding facility in Memphis that raised them for use in the fashion industry. The sanctuary’s founder, Monica Stoops, said she received a call from an animal welfare group in Memphis asking if she could take in the snakes. After working out the logistics of transporting such a large number of animals, the snakes were finally able to make the journey to their new home.
Stoops said the snakes had been kept in small enclosures with no natural sunlight or fresh air. Many of them had health problems due to inbreeding and lack of veterinary care. However, the staff at Wild at Heart Rescue are working hard to rehabilitate the snakes and provide them with the best possible care.
The “snake factory” breeding facility in Memphis, which was raided by authorities in 2022, bred snakes for use in the fashion industry, specifically for making snakeskin products such as handbags, shoes, and clothing. The facility was accused of cruelty to animals and was shut down by the authorities. Many of the snakes were euthanized, but a few lucky ones, including the ones at Wild at Heart Rescue, were rescued and given a chance at a new life.
The arrival of the snakes at Wild at Heart Rescue has generated a lot of excitement among the staff and volunteers. They are now working hard to ensure that the snakes receive proper care and rehabilitation, including veterinary care and socialization. The snakes will eventually be adopted out to homes where they will be able to live out the rest of their lives in comfort and safety.
Wild at Heart Rescue is a nonprofit organization that provides care and rehabilitation for a variety of animals, including reptiles, birds, and small mammals. The organization relies on donations and volunteer support to continue its work.
The “snake factory” in Memphis may be gone, but the snakes that were rescued from it are now thriving in their new home in Louisiana. Their journey from a life of captivity and cruelty to one of freedom and care is a testament to the importance of animal welfare and the power of compassion.