Our Story

Richmond Exotics is a family-run charity based in Washington, Tyne and Wear, proudly serving the North East. We specialise in the education, rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of exotic animals, with a focus on improving captive husbandry and promoting lifelong welfare.

 

Founded by Chris and Becky Richmond, our mission is to raise awareness around the complex needs of exotic species—reptiles, invertebrates, birds, exotic mammals, and more. We work closely with schools, reptile shops, and the wider public to share accurate, accessible guidance on responsible care.

 

We also provide a compassionate safety net for animals who find themselves with nowhere else to go. Whether you're facing the difficult decision to part with a pet or hoping to offer one a new home, Richmond Exotics is here to help—with empathy, without judgment.

 

With over 30 years of combined experience and a lifelong love of animals, we formalised our work in 2023 and proudly achieved charity status in September 2024. This milestone allows us to expand our education programmes, connect with more animal lovers, and fundraise to support the animals in our care.

 

If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or support our mission, we’d love to hear from you.