APES Times

09/08/2025

Sponsorship Made Simple: Support an Exotic Animal Today! 🐾✨

08/07/2025

Looking for a meaningful way to connect with wildlife and support conservation? Our revamped sponsorship system at APES Shelter & Rescue is now simpler than ever! By sponsoring an animal, you’ll provide vital care and help us expand rescue operations, while enjoying regular updates on your chosen friend.

  1. What’s New in Our Sponsorship System
    – Streamlined Sign-Up: We’ve redesigned the online form so you can sponsor in just three clicks.
    – Flexible Subscriptions: Set up monthly or annual plans at the end of the form, starting from just £10/month.
    – Instant Confirmation: Receive a digital welcome pack immediately after signing up.
  2. The Impact of Your Sponsorship
    a) Benefits for the Rescue Centre
    • Stable Funding: Your commitment ensures consistent resources for emergency rescues and habitat improvements.
    • Programme Growth: Extra funds allow us to train staff, upgrade enclosures and roll out educational events.
    b) Benefits for the Animal You Sponsor
    • Specialist Care: Cover custom diets, vet check-ups and enrichment tools like climbing structures or scent trails.
    • Personal Updates: Enjoy quarterly photos, health reports and exclusive invites to “Sponsor Days” at our St Helens centre.
    • Recognition: See your name (or dedication) on our sponsor wall and in our annual report, celebrating your contribution.
  3. How to Sponsor in Three Easy Steps
  4. Visit apesshelter.org.uk/sponsorships and browse our profiles.
  5. Click “Sponsor an Animal Now” on the profile that speaks to you.
  6. Complete the form and choose your subscription plan at the end.

Tell us your first impressions! Have you sponsored before? Share your stories or questions in the comments below—our team loves hearing from you. 👇

Our simplified sponsorship system means it’s never been easier to transform lives, both yours and an exotic animal’s. Every contribution directly enhances animal welfare and strengthens APES’s rescue capabilities.

Visit apesshelter.org.uk/sponsorships today, pick your perfect match and complete the form. Together, we’ll give these extraordinary creatures the care and future they deserve.

Contact us:
Email: info@apesshelter.org.uk | Phone: 0300 302 0227

Have you ever thought about opening your home to an exotic creature in need? 🐢🦎

10/07/2025

At APES CIC, we’re thrilled to announce a revamped foster system that makes it simpler than ever to care for our rescued animals. Fostering supports our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome exotic species, and gives you an opportunity to make a real difference.

  1. What’s New with Our Foster System
    • Streamlined Application – Visit https://www.apesshelter.org.uk/foster and complete a single, easy-to-use form.
    • Clear Fee Structure – At the end of the form, you’ll see our fostering fees and can choose a subscription plan that suits you.
    • Instant Confirmation – Once you submit, our team will be in touch within 48 hours to match you with the perfect foster animal.
  2. How to Foster in Three Simple Steps
    Step 1: Explore Fees
    – Head to our foster page to view fees.
    Step 2: Complete the Online Form
    – Provide basic details about your home, experience and availability.
    Step 3: Set Your Forstering Membership Subscription
    – Choose how often you’d like to foster and at what level (e.g., small reptile, medium mammal). Press “Submit” and you’re ready to go!
  3. Why Fostering Matters
    For the Rescue Centre:
    • Frees up vital space at our Shelter & Rescue centre for urgent cases.
    • Reduces long-term housing costs, allowing funds to be directed into veterinary care.

For the Animal:
• Gives them a calm, home environment to settle and receive personalised attention.
• Boosts socialisation and confidence ahead of permanent adoption.
• Shortens rehabilitation time, improving overall welfare outcomes.

Our updated foster system empowers you to help every rescued reptile, bird, or small mammal thrive in a loving home environment. By visiting https://www.apesshelter.org.uk/foster , you can discover our fees, complete the form and pick your fostering subscription. Let’s work together to give exotic animals the chance they deserve.

Ready to start your fostering journey? Click the link, complete the form, and become a hero today. 🙌

Support APES CIC | Share your thoughts below | Spread the word!

Contact us: info@apes.org.uk | 0300 302 0998 | legal@apes.org.uk

Bruth Has A Forever Home

17/07/2025

Adopt Today

Have you heard the wonderful news? 🐍🏡 This week, APES CIC celebrates another successful adoption: Bruth the Anaconda Hognose has found his forever home! Every rehoming helps us fulfil our mission to care for exotic species in need and match them with loving, knowledgeable guardians.

  1. Meet Bruth the Anaconda Hognose
    • Species: Anaconda Hognose (Loxobates constrictor)
    • Age: Approximately 4 years
    • Temperament: Curious, gentle and enjoys exploring under supervision
  2. Bruth’s Journey to Adoption
    • Initial intake: Bruth arrived when his previous owner felt unsure they could meet his needs.
    • Health check: Our veterinary team performed a full health and behaviour assessment.
    • Matching process: We introduced Bruth to a family who completed our adopter training and home check.
  3. Why Every Adoption Counts
    • Reduces stress: Moving animals from uncertain situations into prepared homes improves well-being.
    • Builds awareness: Each success story highlights the importance of responsible exotic pet ownership.
    • Strengthens community: Engaged adopters often become advocates, spreading our message further.
  4. How You Can Help 🗨️
    • Volunteer: Assist with intake assessments, animal care or community events.
    • Donate: Contributions fund veterinary checks, habitat setup and educational materials.
    • Spread the word: Share Bruth’s story on social media to inspire others.

Congratulations again to Bruth and his new family! Every adoption fulfils our promise to protect exotic species and educate the public. Want to make a difference?
– Support APES CIC: Volunteer, donate or become a member at apes.org.uk/join
– Share your thoughts: Leave a comment or tag us on social media
– Stay updated: Subscribe at apesnews.org.uk

APES Shelter & Rescue Website Fix

21/07/2025

Introduction
Have you tried to register on our APES shelter site recently? 🎉 We’ve fixed the issue! This update matters because it ensures everyone can access vital resources that support APES CIC’s mission of protecting exotic species.

  1. Registration Issue and Resolution
    • What happened: A technical error prevented new users from registering on apesshelter.org.uk.
    • Our response: Our tech team identified and corrected the glitch within 24 hours.
    • Current status: Registration is now seamless—but via a new entry point (see below).
  2. Accessing MyAPES Portal
    • New gateway: Visit https://www.myapes.me.uk and click “MyAPES”. There is no need to sign up or log in.
    • Secure & user-friendly: Your data is safe, and navigation is streamlined.
  3. What You’ll Find on MyAPES
    • Free resources: Care sheets, fact-files and educational videos.
    • Interactive tools: Habitat calculators, species ID guides and reporting forms.
    • Community features: Forums, volunteer sign-ups and event calendars.

Key takeaways:
• Registration glitch resolved—now use MyAPES at myapes.me.uk
• One-stop portal for APES CIC’s tools and resources
• Join our community and help protect exotic species

Support APES CIC by exploring MyAPES, sharing this update with fellow animal lovers, and staying engaged!

APES CMS - ERP Management Updates

21/07/2025

Have you ever wished running your charity or community group felt as simple as posting on social media? 🌟 Well, that day has arrived—APES CMS is now fully live, giving non-profits, social enterprises and growing businesses a single, easy-to-use platform to manage everything from your website to your supporters.

Imagine creating beautiful web pages without technical headaches, building donation forms that convert at above-industry rates, tracking volunteers and members, sending targeted email campaigns and monitoring your impact—all from one login. APES CMS delivers:
• Intuitive website and content management—drag, drop and publish in minutes, on any device.
• Customisable online forms—donation, event sign-up, volunteer application and more, with one-click giving and address auto-complete.
• Integrated CRM—capture and segment supporter data, track engagement history, and send automated welcome or thank-you messages.
• Events and fundraising tools—ticketing, peer-to-peer campaigns, auction modules and sponsorship packages, complete with real-time dashboards.
• Robust payment options—multi-currencies, digital wallets, and secure PCI-compliant processing to make giving frictionless.
• Reporting & analytics—see who’s giving, when and how; measure campaign ROI and download stewardship-ready reports.
• Volunteer & case management—coordinate rotas, record hours, log case notes, and assign tasks across your team.
• Scalable hosting & support—UK-based servers, enterprise-grade security and 24/7 specialist helpdesk to keep you online.

We’re launching APES CMS to empower organisations like yours to focus less on tech and more on impact. Whether you’re rescuing exotic species, running a community garden or supporting local education, our platform adapts to your unique mission. Don’t let limited resources or complex software hold you back—discover how APES CMS can streamline your operations and supercharge your growth.

Ready to get started? Book your free demo at apescms.co.uk or drop us a line—our friendly onboarding team is on hand to guide you through setup, migration and best-practice workflows.

For more, email info@apescms.co.uk or call 0300 302 0998

APES Members Now Live

22/07/2025

Fancy a sneak peek behind the scenes at exotic species conservation? 🔍✨ Our brand-new APES CIC Members Area is live, and it’s your all-access pass to cutting-edge publications, in-depth reports and exclusive insights that fuel our mission to protect the world’s most fascinating creatures.

From today, anyone with a passion for reptiles, amphibians, birds or mammals can log in at https://apescic.raklet.com/ and unlock:
• Quarterly research briefings on habitat restoration
• Field reports from our rescue teams across three continents
• Early access to our upcoming “Exotic Pet Welfare” video series
• Member-only webinars with leading zoologists
• Downloadable guides on safe handling and veterinary best practice

Imagine diving into a 2023 case study on our Amazon frog-habitat initiative—complete with high-res imagery and data charts showing a 37% increase in frog populations. Or tapping into our exclusive interview with Dr Priya Sharma, whose work on endangered chameleons has informed national policy. 📊

Every membership fee, starting at just £30 per year, directly supports APES CIC’s on-the-ground projects: from veterinary supplies for rescue centres to educational outreach in schools. In fact, thanks to our 150 founding members, we’ve already funded three new field clinics this spring. Will you be number 151?

Still wondering what’s inside? Tell us in the comments what topics you’d like us to cover next—your feedback shapes every publication. And don’t miss our current #RainforestRescue campaign, mentioned in the Members Area’s “Latest News” section, where you can track project milestones in real time.

By joining, you’re not just getting premium content; you’re joining a community of over 200 conservation advocates working together to protect exotic wildlife. Key takeaways? Expert-level resources, real-world impact, and direct support for our life-saving efforts—all in one place. So, jump in, explore, and share your insights to keep the conversation thriving.

Ready to make a difference? Visit https://apescic.raklet.com/ today, sign up and fuel our next success story—one membership at a time. For more, email info@apes.org.uk or call 0300 302 0998.

Easter Hognose Care Page Added to NED

23/07/2025

Fancy adding a characterful little snake to your life? 🐍✨ Our brand-new Eastern Hognose Care Page on NED is now live—check it out here: https://ned.apes.org.uk/books/snakes/page/eastern-hognose-snake. Your one-stop guide to giving these quirky charmers the very best home, just as APES CIC champions every exotic species in need.

Eastern hognoses (Heterodon platirhinos) won’t grow much beyond 90 cm, but they’re big on personality: famed for their elaborate bluff-hiss and dramatic “playing dead” routine, they make an ideal first snake for those seeking a calm, engaging companion. On our NED page, you’ll discover everything from the right vivarium setup (a secure, well-ventilated tank around 75×45×45 cm) to the perfect temperature gradient—25–30 °C basking spot down to a cooler 20 °C corner—so your hognose can thermoregulate just like in the wild. Don’t forget to maintain 30–50 % humidity with a moist hide for shedding comfort.

Diet’s simple yet fascinating: while Eastern hognoses love to dine on toads and frogs, in captivity, a varied rodent menu (appropriately sized mice) keeps them thriving. Our page walks you through feeding frequency, once every 5–7 days for adults, and tips on gut-loading prey for optimum nutrition. You’ll also find advice on substrate choice (aspen chips or orchid bark), lighting (low UVB needs), plus enrichment ideas to encourage natural burrowing and exploration.

Have you ever met a snake that played dead? Tell us below in the comments.

We’ve even peppered the page with case studies from APES CIC’s Herpetofauna Heroes campaign, where rescued wild hognoses got second chances at our partner rehabs, reminding us why dedicated care matters. Plus, watch out for our upcoming “Reptiles in Spring” awareness drive, which includes a volunteer training session on hognose handling.

Key takeaways? Eastern hognoses are relatively low-maintenance pets—provided you nail the temperature, humidity and diet—and they reward you with fascinating behaviours and steady good health, often living 15–20 years in your care. Dive into our NED page for in-depth charts, care photos and downloadable checklists to get started today.

Ready to welcome a snappy new friend or share this with fellow reptile enthusiasts? Join our rescue efforts, help fund our shelter’s habitat upgrades or simply spread the word by sharing this article. For more, email info@apes.org.uk or call 0300 302 0998.

APES Science Arrives: A New Frontier in Exotic Animal Research 🌍🔬

24/07/2025

Ever paused to imagine how lab bench discoveries could transform the lives of lemurs, pythons or tree frogs? 🤔🌱 Next month, APES CIC is proud to unveil APES Science—our brand-new online hub bringing rigorous research, data and scientific proof straight to your screen, all in support of exotic species conservation.

Core narrative
Starting in May, APES Science will take over our socials and website with:
• Peer-reviewed research papers on exotic animal nutrition, physiology and genetics
• Case studies of in-situ fieldwork—tracking reintroduced eastern indigo snakes and Panamanian golden frogs—paired with ex-situ investigations into breeding behaviours and disease resistance
• Insights into immunophysiology and behavioural studies examining how stress hormones affect captive primates
• Explorations of biodesign and biomechanics—think elephant trunk dexterity and Komodo dragon genome mapping
• Regular interviews with leading scientists, practical husbandry guides and easy-to-digest infographics

Whether you’re a seasoned herpetologist or simply curious about how science underpins responsible exotic pet ownership, APES Science offers light reading that packs a punch. Soon, you’ll discover how nutrition trials in captive birds inform habitat restoration, or how genetics research is unravelling why some primates thrive in multi-species enclosures while others do not.

Which of these research topics are you most excited to explore with us?
A) Wildlife field tracking
B) Veterinary genetics
C) Behavioural ecology
D) Biomechanics and design

Key takeaways + call to action
• APES Science launches next month—follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for daily updates.
• Expect a steady stream of open-access papers, data visualisations and expert Q&As.
• Your engagement fuels conservation: share articles, pose questions and help raise funds for our rescue and rehabilitation programmes.

Join our rescue efforts and be part of a science-driven movement to protect exotic species—share this article and subscribe for alerts on every new publication.

info@apes.org.uk | 0300 302 0998

Seamless Service Ahead: We’ve Partnered with Zoho to Elevate Your Experience

08/08/2025

Ever felt the frustration when our server hiccupped and you couldn’t access your data or book that all-important meeting? 😣➡️ Well, help is at hand! We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Zoho, one of the world’s leading cloud-hosting and business-application providers, to ensure your data and communications run without a glitch.

Maintaining our own server infrastructure has become increasingly challenging—unexpected outages, security patches and the constant upkeep sometimes meant you faced delays. By teaming up with Zoho, we’re handing over those headaches to the experts. Zoho will now host your data securely, power our email and calendar services, and manage bookings, online forms and much more.

What Zoho Brings to the Table
• Rock-solid uptime and robust security: With encryption in transit and at rest, intrusion detection and ISO-certified data centres, your information is protected around the clock.
• Integrated email, calendar and video meetings: Say goodbye to juggling multiple apps. Zoho Mail and Zoho Meeting let us schedule, host and record discussions—all in one place.
• Smart booking and forms: Clients can self-schedule appointments via Zoho Bookings, complete intake forms and receive automated reminders, cutting down no-shows and admin time.
• Privacy you can trust: Zoho’s GDPR-compliant policies mean your personal and business data are never up for grabs or used for advertising [7].

By migrating to Zoho’s cloud ecosystem, we’re streamlining every aspect of our service delivery—so whether you’re filling out a form, catching up on emails or joining a virtual briefing, it’ll all just work.

SPONSORED

Which Zoho feature are you most excited to use?

Vote now!

Key Takeaways & Call to Action
We’ve transitioned to Zoho to deliver:
• Greater reliability—no more unscheduled downtime
• Enhanced security—your data is fortified by industry best practices
• Simplified workflows—all tools under one roof, reducing delays
• Better client experience—faster responses and fewer technical hiccups

Embrace this change with us! Bookmark your new booking links, explore our updated email portal, and let us know how the Zoho-powered services feel. Share this article with colleagues who need to stay ahead of the curve.