Cornwall reptile rescue celebrates major award just six months after opening

A reptile and wildlife rescue based in Truro has marked a remarkable milestone just six months after opening.

Wild Coast Colubrids has recently won the UK Animal Rescue Organisation – South West Region award at the Animal Star Awards.

Founded in March 2026, the rescue began with a single phone call about an abandoned, severely emaciated rat snake named Chilli. That moment, founder Emily Pengelly says, was the turning point that transformed years of dreaming into action.

“I’d wanted to run a rescue since I was studying animal care at college, but it was Chilli coming into our care that really changed everything,” she said.

“Chilli was an extremely emaciated rat snake who needed somewhere to go, and that was the point where I realised I couldn’t keep dreaming about running a rescue anymore - I had to actually do it.”

Since opening, Wild Coast Colubrids has supported 46 reptiles, 20 wildlife casualties, completed ten reptile adoptions, and built a growing volunteer team able to cover most of Cornwall - with some owners even travelling from Devon to surrender animals.

The rescue provides rehabilitation, safe surrender, rehoming and wildlife response, alongside a strong educational focus. Reptile education is a core part of their mission, with community events, reptile talks and sessions designed to help people understand the long‑term commitment involved in keeping reptiles.

The rescue began with a single phone call about an abandoned, severely emaciated rat snake named Chilli

“One of the things we really try to educate people on is the commitment involved in keeping reptiles,” Emily said.

“Tortoises can live for 50+ years, many colubrids around 15–25 years and pythons can live for around 20–30 years or more. They are not short‑term pets, and sadly we do see animals needing rescue because people were not fully prepared for that commitment.”

Last weekend, the team travelled to the Animal Star Awards, where they were announced as the UK Animal Rescue Organisation - South West Region winners - an achievement they describe as “completely surreal”.

Emily commented: “When I started Wild Coast Colubrids in March, I never imagined that six months later we’d be standing there as regional award winners.

“I’m so proud of how far we’ve come, but more than anything I’m proud of the animals we’ve helped and the team that’s helped me make this rescue what it is.”

Emily, joined by her Fiancée Oliwia who is also the co-founder of Wild Coast Colubrids 

The rescue is not currently a registered charity or CIC, but Emily holds Level 3 qualifications in Animal Management, Reptile Studies and Animal Welfare and Nursing, all achieved with distinction, alongside a decade of reptile‑keeping experience.

Chilli, the rat snake who inspired the rescue, remains one of its permanent residents. Her transformation - from dangerously underweight to healthy and thriving - is described as the clearest example of why Wild Coast Colubrids exists.

“Seeing the difference between the snake who first arrived and the one we have now is incredible,” Emily said.

The rescue currently has around 30 reptiles in care and is at full capacity for reptile admissions, though wildlife response remains open.

The team also helped transfer this vixen who was found on a beach limp and not moving.

Wild Coast Colubrids hopes its recent award will help shine a light on the growing need for reptile rescue services in Cornwall - and the importance of responsible ownership.

“Reptiles are my life,” Emily said. “They’re second only to my children. Liv actually used to be scared of reptiles and now she helps me run the rescue, and the kids are growing up absolutely loving reptiles and wildlife too.

“When I look at all of that together, I feel like I’ve done it pretty perfectly really.”

To find out more, visit the Wild Coast Colubrids Facebook and Instagram pages.

More Cornwall News 

Can you help Jarvis see again? Appeal launched to support Cornish Seal Sanctuary resident

Sweet thank‑you for coastguards after tricky rescue at the Lizard Peninsula

Rescue reunion marks 30 years of second chances for RSPCA Cornwall Branch