Exotic animals including South American ostrich and giant African snail seized from suburban NY home

NORTH BELLMORE, NY — Authorities have seized about 100 animals from a Long Island home filled with exotic species — including a giant African snail, a sulcata tortoise and a South American ostrich, lawyers said Friday.

The animals, some of which are endangered species, were discovered by state and local authorities Tuesday evening in the basement and backyard shed of a home in the suburb of North Bellmore, about 15 miles east of New York City. According to the advocacy group Humane Long Island, the owner of the menagerie was charged with 30 violations related to the illegal possession of animals.

“He had a lot of animals that have nothing to do with suburban life, period. Especially not in someone’s shed or basement,” said John Di Leonardo, president and executive director of the group.

The group seized several dozen animals, including a five-month-old female South American ostrich – or lesser rhea – named Eddy, found in the crowded basement.

Di Leonardo said the man told him he ordered the rhea egg online while he was drunk.

Matt Roper, law enforcement director for the Nassau County SPCA, said he could not name the animals’ owner, who lives with his parents, because the investigation was ongoing.

Authorities said the investigation began after the man appeared with animals at events such as birthday shows and street fairs.

A message seeking comment was left on a phone number associated with the man.

Roper said the state environmental agency has issued about a half-dozen citations for harboring endangered species. There were also violations of local ordinances.

“He was very cooperative. He was afraid. I think he was in over his head,” Roper said. “The animals were well cared for. They were fed. It wasn’t the cleanest situation.”