NI Exotic Animal Sanctuary Founder Nominated for National Pet Award
Lindsey Adams, the woman who established Northern Ireland's only dedicated sanctuary for exotic animals, has been nominated for the 'Hooman Hero of the Year' award at the 2026 National Pet Awards — recognition that shines a national spotlight on a remarkable volunteer-run operation that has quietly filled one of the most overlooked gaps in the region's animal welfare infrastructure since its founding in 2021.
Background
When Lindsey Adams set up the Northern Ireland Exotic Sanctuary five years ago, she was responding to a problem that most people in the animal welfare sector had simply not addressed: what happens to reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates when their owners can no longer care for them? Traditional rescue organisations — the SPCAs, the Dogs Trusts, the Cats Protection leagues — are equipped to handle dogs, cats, and the more familiar domestic animals. But the growing popularity of exotic pets, from bearded dragons and corn snakes to tarantulas and axolotls, had created a parallel welfare crisis with no institutional response.
Adams, who had personal experience with exotic animals and a deep understanding of their specific care requirements, decided to fill that gap herself. The sanctuary she established operates from a private premises and accepts animals from across Northern Ireland and, in some cases, from the Republic. It provides specialist care, rehabilitation, and rehoming services for species that would otherwise have nowhere to go. The work requires not just dedication but genuine expertise — exotic animals have highly specific dietary, environmental, and health needs that differ dramatically from those of conventional pets.
The sanctuary has operated without any government funding since its inception, relying entirely on donations from the public and the labour of a small team of volunteers. This financial precariousness has not prevented it from building a reputation as an essential service, with vets, local councils, and members of the public regularly referring animals to Adams and her team.
Key Developments
The nomination for 'Hooman Hero of the Year' at the National Pet Awards places Adams alongside nominees from across the United Kingdom, recognising individuals who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to animal welfare. The award category specifically honours people rather than organisations, making it a personal recognition of Adams's founding vision and sustained effort over five years of operation.
The nomination has been welcomed by the animal welfare community in Northern Ireland, where the sanctuary's work is well known among vets and rescue networks. The National Pet Awards, which are voted on by the public, provide an opportunity for supporters of the sanctuary to demonstrate the breadth of appreciation for its work. Voting is open online, and the sanctuary's social media following has been mobilised to support Adams's nomination.
The timing of the nomination coincides with a period of increased public awareness about the responsibilities associated with exotic pet ownership. Animal welfare organisations across the UK and Ireland have reported a surge in unwanted exotic animals following the pandemic-era boom in pet acquisition, making the sanctuary's work more relevant than ever.
Why It Matters
The story of the Northern Ireland Exotic Sanctuary is, at its core, a story about the limits of institutional animal welfare provision and the extraordinary things that individuals can achieve when they identify a need and decide to meet it. Northern Ireland has a well-developed network of animal rescue organisations for conventional pets, but the exotic animal sector has been almost entirely dependent on the initiative of private individuals like Adams. The sanctuary's existence means that animals which would otherwise face euthanasia or prolonged suffering in inappropriate conditions have a genuine chance of rehabilitation and rehoming. The national recognition of Adams's work also serves a broader purpose: it raises awareness of the specific welfare needs of exotic animals and the responsibilities that come with keeping them, potentially reducing the number of animals that end up needing rescue in the first place.
Local Impact
The sanctuary's impact is felt across Northern Ireland, from Belfast to rural areas where exotic animals are kept in increasing numbers. Vets in the greater Belfast area, in Derry, and in towns across Antrim, Down, and Armagh regularly refer animals to the sanctuary when owners present them as unwanted or when welfare concerns are identified. The sanctuary also provides educational outreach, working with schools and community groups to promote responsible exotic pet ownership. For the volunteers who work alongside Adams, the sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to develop specialist skills in animal care that are not available through conventional rescue organisations. The nomination for a national award is expected to boost the sanctuary's profile and, crucially, its fundraising capacity, helping to secure its long-term future.
What's Next
The National Pet Awards ceremony is scheduled for later in 2026, with public voting determining the winner of the 'Hooman Hero of the Year' category. The sanctuary is encouraging its supporters to vote online in the coming weeks. Adams has indicated that any increased profile resulting from the nomination will be used to advance the sanctuary's long-term goal of securing a dedicated premises with greater capacity, which would allow it to take in more animals and expand its educational work. Fundraising efforts are ongoing, and the sanctuary continues to accept referrals from vets and members of the public across Northern Ireland.
