Sugar Glider University

When I first became interested in sugar gliders, I wanted to help in rescue efforts. What I found in researching the glider community were basically three kinds of rescuers:

1. Many good-hearted people who were taking in sugar gliders but who had basically started out of the kindness of their hearts, with little or no background in running a rescue organization.

2. Breeders who wanted cheap breeder pairs, and would "rescue" the animals only to breed them and sell the offspring.

3. Rescuers who have experience in animal care, have volunteered at animal shelters, and operate rescues under the same criteria as the Humane Society or other established organizations.

The first two cases can lead to problems and confusion. In the first situation, the many good-hearted people who take in sugar gliders out of the kindness of their hearts may not have adequate housing, finances, or other means to provide for all the unwanted gliders out there. Another problem with this situation is that a lack of understanding of how to run an animal shelter in compliance with federal and state guidelines can lead to additional headaches.

In the end, the kind-hearted rescuer may be forced to begin selling the rescued animals, unaltered, to make ends meet, thus propagating potentially bad lines of sugar gliders. There is no reason that any rescued sugar glider should be bred unless by some miracle, the rescuer has proof that it has come from a good line. In a proper rescue situation, rescued male sugar gliders would be immediately neutered, and female sugar gliders would only be adopted out to homes in which a signed contract stated that they would not be placed in a situation that could lead to further breeding.

The second situation is even worse. Many people will attempt to "rescue" sugar gliders as a shallow cover for obtaining "cheap breeding pairs". This is wrong on every ethical front as well as any other moral standpoint. We recently had a situation in which several gliders needed to be placed immediately. However, due to unknown motives of a few "bad apples" in the glider community, we had to search privately to guarantee good homes for these gliders. If we did have organized rescues set up, we could go public, as we would have the knowledge and tools to screen out the "bad guys."

If you are interested in starting a rescue, or have already found yourself in the situation where you are taking in unwanted or neglected sugar gliders, here are a few things to consider:

All rescued sugar glider males should be neutered. Perhaps you could include this in the adoption cost if you are adopting out rescues.

Every rescuer should not only know of a sugar glider vet, but should work closely with their veterinarian providing check ups and veterinary care for all their sugar gliders.

Require an adoption contract and make sure that the adoptive families are required to return the sugar gliders to you and only you if, for any reason, they are not able to keep the sugar gliders. (Critterville Rescue has a good example of the Adoption Application and Agreement Form)

Do not breed sugar glider rescues. This is irresponsible and can only create more problems for the captive glider population. If you are a breeder, make sure that your rescue efforts are entirely separate from your breeding efforts.

If you don't have the materials to create habitats that are suitable for sugar gliders, or not enough time to give the gliders individual one-one-one time, either curtail the number of rescues you take in, or create a foster program, insuring that sugar glider foster families complete an application and screening process.

If you are looking to adopt from a sugar glider rescue, it is a good idea to find out if the above criteria are being followed. This would insure that you are dealing with a legitimate rescuer. Otherwise, you should instead look to adopt from a reputable and ethical breeder.

For more information to assist you in starting or maintaining a proper rescue, check out the following online links:

How To Start A Guinea Pig Rescue, good example of an adoption contract.

Some Things To Consider Before Starting A Rescue, from Philly Dog Rescue.

Want To Start An Animal Rescue? from the ASPCA.

How To Start An Avian Rescue or Sanctuary, although it's for bird rescue, many resources can apply to sugar glider rescue.

Starting A Successful Rescue from Pet Rescue.

Knowing When To Say When from VetCentric.