Lost & Found, Levelled Up: You Can Now Add Photos 🐾

an Good news for the worried, the wandering, and the wildly loved: APES has upgraded our Lost & Found Pets system — and yes, you can now upload photos directly with your report.

Why does this matter? Because a photo does what a thousand adjectives can’t. A clear picture of that kinked tail, the scar by the eye, the unique pattern on a boa’s saddle — it all helps us match faster and with more confidence.

👉 Use it here: https://www.associationofprotectingexoticspecies.org.uk/services/apes/lost-n-found-pets

What’s new

• Photo uploads on forms: Add images when you report a pet as lost or found. Include multiple angles if you can (left side, right side, distinctive markings, enclosure setup if relevant).
• Sharper matching: Photos supercharge our ability to cross‑check reports and spot potential matches quickly.
• Stronger identification: When a possible match pops up, photos make it easier to confirm ownership humanely and safely — especially crucial for exotics where visual ID is key.
• Still free, still simple: The system remains free to use and takes just a few minutes to complete.

How to file a report (fast)

1. Go to the portal: https://www.associationofprotectingexoticspecies.org.uk/services/apes/lost-n-found-pets
2. Choose “Lost” or “Found”: Pick the form that fits.
3. Add the details that matter:
   • Species, morph/breed, sex (if known)
   • Last seen/found location with postcode
   • Distinguishing features and behaviour
   • Upload photos (clear, recent, true-to-colour)
4. Submit: We’ll list it on our board and begin matching against current reports.

Tip: If you’re reporting a reptile or bird, include a close-up of patterning/scales/feathers and a full-body shot. For mammals, nose prints and paw pads can be surprisingly distinctive.

Photo tips for better matches

• Good light, no filters: Natural daylight if possible. Avoid harsh flash that blows out colour.
• Fill the frame: We need the animal more than the sofa.
• Show the unique: Any scars, marks, banding, tags, microchip paperwork, or enclosure details.
• Multiple angles: Left, right, top. For snakes, mid‑body pattern and head scalation; for parrots, wing coverts and tail; for lizards, dorsal and lateral shots.

Safety first (for you and the animal)

If you’ve found an exotic and it’s stressed, don’t chase. Reduce stimuli, contain safely if you can do so without risk, and file a Found report. If there’s an immediate welfare risk, contact us — details are on the portal — or your local wildlife rescue.

Frequently asked

Is the system really free?
Yes. Community tools only work if the community can use them.

What if I don’t have a photo?
Submit anyway. A photo can be added later. The sooner we have your report, the sooner we can search.

How do matches happen?
Our team reviews entries daily, using both text and photo cues to flag likely matches. We’ll reach out if we need more info to confirm identity.

What about privacy?
We only share what’s needed to reunite animals with their people. Exact addresses are never publicly posted.

A small upgrade with a big impact

Photos close the gap between “maybe” and “that’s definitely them.” For exotics, that precision can be the difference between a swift reunion and a long, anxious search.

If your animal is missing — or an unexpected guest has appeared — tell us now and add those photos. We’ll take it from there.

👉 Start here: https://www.associationofprotectingexoticspecies.org.uk/services/apes/lost-n-found-pets

Stay safe, stay hopeful — and may every wanderer find their way home.