USARK Florida Condemns Animal Cruelty in Storage Unit Incident, Reaffirms Commitment to Responsible Reptile Care
Osceola County, Florida – The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) Florida condemns the inhumane treatment of 111 African fat-tailed geckos found abandoned in a storage unit in Osceola County in November 2023. Tragically, 41 of these geckos were found dead due to neglect, and the surviving animals were left without food or water for a significant period of time. These animals were discovered when employees of the storage facility unlocked the unit after it had been sealed due to nonpayment.
Storage unit in Osceola County, FL where geckos were abandoned. Photo by Daniel Parker, who grants permission for this photo to be reprinted
USARK Florida was first tipped off to this case by a concerned citizen, and we have been closely following the situation for nearly two years. Throughout this time, we offered our support to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in placing the surviving animals into proper care, as we have done in past situations to help avoid unnecessary euthanasia. We are pleased that, thanks to the diligent work of FWC investigators, the surviving geckos have been placed in suitable care, ensuring a better future for them.
African Fat-tailed gecko. These lizards are known for their gentle disposition and ease of care. Photo by Dakota Nivens, who grants permission for this photo to be reprinted
About African Fat-Tailed Geckos
African fat-tailed geckos are among the most popular pet lizards due to their calm, docile disposition and ease of care. They rarely, if ever, bite, making them ideal companions for both new and experienced reptile keepers. With proper care, African fat-tailed geckos can live 10 to 15 years, though some have been known to live even longer. Ideally, they should be provided with a thermal gradient in their enclosure, a natural light cycle, and a varied diet of readily available feeder insects. Despite the fact that they inhabit arid or semi-arid environments in the wild, clean drinking water should always be available in their permanent housing. The “fat tail” holds fat reserves, which allow these geckos to survive periods of food scarcity in their harsh natural environment. These geckos are known for their gentle nature and can make wonderful pets when cared for responsibly.
We also applaud the diligent work of FWC investigators, which led to the identification and arrest of Kelvin E. Soto, who held an expired license from FWC to exhibit and sell animals. Soto was charged with felony animal cruelty and confinement of animals without food or water. He pleaded guilty in August 2024, and his sentence includes four years of supervised probation, 100 hours of community service, and a lifetime ban on possessing animals. Soto is also required to pay over $5,000 in restitution for the care of the surviving geckos. We support FWC’s actions in this case.
USARK Florida wants to make it clear that the actions of Soto in no way reflect the practices of responsible reptile keepers. The overwhelming majority of reptile owners treat these animals with the utmost care and respect, often viewing them as beloved members of their families. This tragic incident is not a reflection of the reptile community as a whole, but rather the actions of a single individual who failed to meet even the most basic standards of animal care.
Storage unit in Osceola County, FL where geckos were abandoned. Photo by Daniel Parker, who grants permission for this photo to be reprinted
"This case serves as a painful reminder of the importance of responsible animal ownership and the need for accountability when those responsibilities are ignored," said USARK Florida President Elizabeth Wisneski. "We stand with the vast majority of reptile keepers who prioritize the humane treatment of their animals. We strongly condemn anyone who would neglect or mistreat reptiles as was done in this case. It is important to distinguish between those who harm animals and those who care for them responsibly."
African Fat-tailed Gecko. The “fat tail” holds fat reserves which allow this gecko to survive periods of food scarcity in their harsh wild environment. Photo by Dakota Nivens, who grants permission for this photo to be reprinted
USARK Florida remains committed to promoting education and best practices for reptile care and encourages the public to report instances of neglect or abuse. We are dedicated to ensuring that all reptiles are treated with the respect they deserve.
About USARK Florida:
The United States Association of Reptile Keepers Florida (USARK FL) emphasizes the responsible keeping, conservation, and welfare of reptiles and amphibians through education, advocacy, and best practices, while fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address essential conservation and husbandry issues. For more information about USARK Florida and to stay updated on ongoing advocacy efforts, please visit usarkfl.net
For more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Daniel Parker, USARK FL Director of Media, at 863-441-5067 or email media@usarkfl.net. Daniel Parker and Dakota Nivens grant permission for all photos in this release to be reprinted for media purposes.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel Parker
Email: media@usarkfl.net
Phone: 863-441-5056
Website: usarkfl.net
