Our Background
April and Ryan Cicchelli are the owners and founders of Cicchelli Second Chance Rescue and Exotics. We are an Exotic Animal Rescue & Educational Facility located in Lake City, Michigan. We have 25 acres of land and over 40 species that have found a home with us.
How We Acquire Our Animals
We share the stories of each animal on our Blog & Facebook Page. We are often asked how we acquire our animals. We currently deal with 4 different situations:
Rescue Intake
Our #1 rule here, we will not turn down any rescue.
April Cicchelli
These animals typically come from bad situations. Their owners have passed away, some have been left in eviction homes, owned without proper permits, or are in bad health and the owner cannot afford the proper care.
Surrenders
Unfortunately exotic animals are placed in homes every day that are not adequately prepared to meet all of the needs, including diet, vet care, enrichment, and enclosures. If you or someone you may know are needing placement for an exotic because your situation has unknowingly changed, please reach out to us, there will be no questions asked.
Rehoming
Some animals in our care have come from facilities that have closed down, or from private homes whos living situation has changed. These animals typically have an adoption fee attached that we pay to make sure they end up in a permanent and suitable home.
Companionship Program
It’s extremely important for exotic animals to have social interaction and enrichment. If we are housing an individual animal, our main goal will always be to meet their social needs. In happiness & health, we do pay full price to purchase the perfect companions to fit these needs.
Companionship is strongly recommended by the USDA.