In the spring of 2024, 51 sugar gliders were rescued from a breeder in Puerto Rico, where it is illegal to keep them as pets. The sugar gliders were then taken to the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, where they were cared for. Simultaneously, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) arranged for a safe and legal placement for them.

The HSUS reached out to the MSPCA-Angell for help with adoption. The MSPCA-Angell had previously taken in gliders, and due to the overwhelmingly positive response, staff were confident they could find loving homes for the sugar gliders quickly.

The MSPCA-Angell arranged a flight to transport the sugar gliders to the United States. Due to limited flight options, the gliders were flown to New Jersey, the closest point to Massachusetts. Thankfully, the staff at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Chatham Township, New Jersey, assisted in transporting the gliders to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, where they would be placed in loving homes.

In a heartwarming ending, the rescued gliders didn’t have to wait long to find loving new families. Within just over a week, each had found a new home to call their own!

For more information on adopting exotic pets (e.g., rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and occasionally sugar gliders), visit mspca.org/adoption.