Who We Are at Northern Ireland Exotic Sanctuary
Our Rescue
At Northern Ireland Exotic Sanctuary, we are dedicated to providing a safe haven for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates in need. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome these wonderful creatures while educating the public about their needs. We also offer permanent sanctuary for some our residents, who for health or legal reasons cannot be rehomed.
We receive no government funding and have no paid staff. Instead we rely on our team of fantastic volunteers, who help to do everything from cleaning, feeding and socialising animals, to attending fundraising events and helping to plan future fundraisers.
We have capacity for around 100 animals, and run close to or at capacity for most of the year, often also with a waitlist for unwanted animals. We also take in stray/ abandoned reptiles, and work with local authorities and animal welfare, as well as other rescues.
Our Story
June 2021-
Founded in Portrush
September 2023-
Moved to new premises in Belfast
February 2024-
Expanded into larger premises in the same building
June 2024-
Winner of 'Specialist Pet Service of the Year' award at Local Pet Awards Northern Ireland
June 2024-
New management team in place
November 2024-
Finalist in North Down and Belfast category at Local Women Magazine Business Awards
January 2025-
Achieved Charity Excellence Framework Quality Mark
March 2025-
Nominee for 'Animal Charity Team of the Year' In Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards
March 2025-
First crop of volunteers join the rescue
March 2025-
Finalist in 'Specialist Pet Service of the Year' award in Local Pet Awards Northern Ireland
June 2025-
Chairperson Lindsey nominated for BBC Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle Make a Difference Awards
September 2025-
Winner of ‘Specialist Pet Service of the Year’ for the second year running at Local Pet Awards Northern Ireland
January 2026-
Renewed Charity Excellence Framework Quality Mark
May 2026-
Nominated for BBC Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle Make a Difference Awards
June 2026-
Northern Ireland charity status confirmed, making us the only reptile rescue charity in Northern Ireland
Winner of ‘Specialist Pet Service of the Year’ for the third year running at National Pet Awards Northern Ireland
Finalist in 'Animal Charity of the Year' category
Chairperson Lindsey wins the first ever 'Hooman Pet Hero of the Year' award at the same event
Meet the Team
Without a dedicated team, the rescue couldn't be what it is today. We all work and have other personal commitments as well as running the rescue and it truly is a labour of love.
Meet the team:
Rachael has an array of animals at home, including a disabled chameleon and a royal python, and she has experience keeping turtles and fish. She has successfully rehabbed some of our sickest animals and takes great pride in getting them back on their feet and ready for their forever home.
Lindsey has been actively involved in local animal rescue and animal welfare campaigning for over 16 years. A keen keeper of rare species herself, she enjoys the challenges that running an animal rescue presents, including socialising and gentling the more nervous or reactive intakes.
Mel recently graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a MSc in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology. During her studies and travels to Central and South America she honed her interest for herpetofauna, studying and working with everything from miniscule frogs to aquatic and venomous snakes.
We are supported by a wonderful team of volunteers, without whom, we couldn't do the job we do!