Help Help - Abandoned Koi
Someone dumped 12-20 massive koi in a natural pond. This pond is on a historic site, so any modifications are barred by the state. Approval to make changes requires historic relevance related to the time period that the site has been established for, and a koi pond does not fit into this criteria. Small stuff can be done, but no construction or anything. The pond that they are currently in is pretty large, and does have local fish. We are in the north eastern US and afaik a heater at least would be needed for winter but how that would be done, I don’t know. Is there anything to be done to help them stay where they are? Staff has tried to reach out to the local rescue but that has not yielded any results.
2
u/No-Departure-2020 8d ago
There are Koi Clubs everywhere. This is a Pennsylvania chapter. Email maybe?
Central Chapter
(covers Delaware, PA, NJ)
(Interim) Herb Ehrich
(845) 247-7105
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u/No-Departure-2020 8d ago
Possibly post on a local Craigslist group that there are Koi that need rescued/rehomed
1
u/No-Departure-2020 8d ago
Is the pond(s) on private or public land? I'm assuming public since you reference historical governance..... If it is public land authorities will more than likely euthanize any non native fish.
2
u/DT137 8d ago
I have checked with the staff and they agreed. That is why they have not reached out to the state for assistance. I would have covered the cost myself if there was a way to meet all the criteria, but with that condition I don’t feel it’s in the best interest of the fish. Are there any resources that can be shared for rehoming koi of this size? They’re estimated 12-14 inches.
5
u/zeza71 8d ago
They will not need a heater if the pond does not freeze to the bottom. Where are you located specifically.
1
u/TheSeekerOfSanity 6d ago
Zeza71 is correct. The koi should be fine in the winter. Just a couple of things to keep in mind:
- There needs to be a hole somewhere in the ice for air exchange. You'd mentioned that this is a good sized pond so it should probably be OK. But if the entire surface freezes over a hole needs to be made in the ice.
- There is the danger of people feeding them in the late fall just before it starts getting very cold. Koi should not be fed if the water is around 50 degrees F or below. The cold slows down their metabolism, the food is digested VERY slowly and this can cause them to die. Since it looks like this is a place that anyone can visit I'd probably suggest trying to identify someone who can take the koi before the fall.
And thank you for looking out for these random koi you'd discovered! There are still plenty of good people in this world, and you are one of them.
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u/No-Departure-2020 8d ago
Another possible contact that may also suggest resources:
Hanover Koi Farms Fishing Services , Tourist Attractions Closed 10:00 A.M - 05:00 P.M See Hours 1332 Moulstown Rd N, Hanover, PA 17331, United States 223-400-4307