ESCONDIDO — EcoVivarium, a reptile sanctuary in Escondido, is asking for community support to help keep its doors open and its animals fed as it grapples with rising operational costs.
For more than 15 years, the sanctuary has served as a combined rescue, sanctuary, and museum for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, including 30 tarantulas. Its collection includes approximately 400 animals, many rescued from critical situations.
Among them is Ed, a 24-year-old Galapagos giant tortoise whose disfigured shell reflects past neglect from a lack of food and sunlight but who now thrives at the sanctuary, enjoying the attention she gets from young visitors.
“Many people who purchase exotic animals are not prepared or knowledgeable about how to care for them,” said Susan Nowicke, EcoVivarium’s owner and executive director.
EcoVivarium often steps in where other shelters cannot.
“There is a need for a rescue like us,” Nowicke said, noting that few facilities can handle exotic animals.
The sanctuary has taken in reptiles abandoned on the streets, including nine bearded dragons found on the streets of San Marcos and Escondido and two crocodile monitor lizards set loose in Fallbrook during the pandemic.
Over the years, it has become one of the largest facilities of its kind in the U.S., Nowicke said.
The sanctuary also operates as a museum, offering educational experiences and animal interaction through tours, field trips, and events. Its staff specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals, highlighting how the animals create unique bonds with visitors.
“We’ve noticed that these animals have a unique bond with them,” Nowick said. “We will make any accommodations we can so that they can join us.”
Nowicke first started the rescue in her home years ago after her children, who also have special needs, wanted to adopt a reptile. After taking in a few animals, she noticed how one of her daughters, whose epileptic seizures caused her to forget how to perform certain functions, including reading, benefitted from having them around.
Eventually, Nowicke said her daughter began to retain information after seizures and could eventually read.
Approximately 98% of EcoVivarium’s animals are rescues, many requiring extensive medical care. For example, treating a rhinoceros iguana with severe metabolic bone disease costs $600 monthly. Meanwhile, some animals have outgrown their enclosures, necessitating costly upgrades.
Financial strain is mounting, with monthly expenses nearing $40,000 — including rent, utilities, food, and medical care. The sanctuary operates in a 10,000-square-foot building built in 1969, which lacks proper insulation, driving up heating and cooling costs.
The building’s elevator is also out of order, adding to repair challenges.
Though EcoVivarium generates revenue from events and a $50 animal adoption fee, it falls short of covering expenses.
“For every animal we adopt out, we’re probably spending around $500 on vet fees and other costs compared to the $50 we get in return,” Nowicke said.
Community donations have historically sustained the sanctuary, but contributions declined during the pandemic and amid rising inflation. Many grants were also delayed, with funds not expected to arrive until later this year if awarded.
“The least favorite part of my job is asking for money, because I know everybody is struggling with the economy, but at the same time we want to be here next year for the kids that need us and for the animals that need us,” Nowicke said.
Without additional funding, the sanctuary may face dire consequences, including the potential euthanasia of animals with significant medical needs.
“I’d sell my kidney before that happens,” Nowicke said.
EcoVivarium continues to seek support to secure its future. Donations can be made at ecovivarium.org. Public tours are available Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with office hours Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
