Posted on: 2019-01-11 10:30:02
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This week’s turtle-related stories include fines for stealing eggs & shipping turtles … although we’re unsure why apparently 2 sea turtle eggs are worth much more than 27 box turtles?
We check in on the sea turtle ambassador found in a trash can & see where some tracked turtles have been traveling this past year.
We also meet some vet students and their turtle patients, cheer a new marine reserve, and more.
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Recent Box Turtle News
This week the case of a man caught shipping boxies gets resolved. And a zoo shows off its babies.
Charges for transporting box turtles dismissed: The man had shipped 27 box turtles from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Las Vegas back in 2017. He must still pay a $1000 fine.
The Tulsa zoo recently welcomed some new babies, including an Eastern box turtle. Isn’t it adorable?!
Recent U. S. Turtle News
This week sea turtles go home, grow up, and get justice, among other stories. Other turtles get some love too, including from vet med students.
But first …
Sleep with the sea turtles! If you have a young sea turtle lover, take a look at this overnight adventure at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. It’s happening on Jan. 26.
Sea turtle news
Goodbye & good luck Scallywag! The green sea turtle survived a shark attack 2 years ago. Late last week Scallywag was well enough to go home. Includes video. (Florida)
Naval Station Mayport goes turtle friendly: In lighting, that is. The base recently had 760 lighting fixtures replaced with ones less likely to confuse nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings. As a bonus, the new fixtures use less energy. So it’s a win all around!
Admiral is growing up fast! You may remember the story of the sea turtle hatchlings abandoned in a hotel trash can? Most went back to sea, but Admiral became Ambassador at Tybee Island Marine Science Center. And now little Addie is moving to a bigger tank with more interesting stuff to see & do! Includes pictures & links to still more pictures.
Is government shutdown hurting Texas sea turtles? Not if local volunteers can help it. Two organizations & dozens of volunteers now patrol the beaches so injured or cold-stunned turtles can get the help they need. Includes video.
Big fine for turtle egg thief: The man who stole 2 eggs from a nest in Alabama back in July must pay a $5000 fine.
Other turtle news
Meet the Sulawesi forest turtle: This aquatic turtle is actually native to Indonesia. The Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina is one of the organizations working on conservation and learning more about this endangered turtle. Includes video.
Frosty the turtle is much happier after thawing out: The turtle’s rescuers thought it was dead when they found it frozen in the snow. But all it took was some warmth to get it moving again. At some point Frosty will be getting a new, warmer home. Includes video. (Montana)
Vet students learn to treat turtles too: At North Carolina State University the College of Veterinary Medicine includes a Turtle Rescue Team. The team of students treats more than 500 patients every year. Includes video.
Recent International Turtle News
Some Central American sea turtles will soon have more protection, we catch up with some recently released sea turtles, and we see how much difference community involvement can make for conservation efforts.
Plus more.
Turtle rescue & release news
And tracking news too!
Meet Vietnam’s newest marine rescue team: The 6-person team doesn’t have a rescue center of its own yet. But they’ve built relationships with other rescuers they can rely on to help them help the marine animals who need them.
Leonardo goes home for the new year: The green sea turtle finished 4 months of rehab & headed back to sea on Jan. 3. (Malaysia)
Where are Two Oceans Aquarium alumni traveling? Tracking rehabbed turtles is exciting but stressful … after all they’re on their own now. Find out how some recently released patients are doing. And where Yoshi, the Aquarium’s most famous turtle, has been recently.
Turtle conservation news
New marine reserve off the coast of Belize: A 3-year-old NGO is buying 20 acres of corals to turn it into a reserve. Leatherback and Hawksbill sea turtles will benefit, along with other marine life in the area.
Community-protected beaches offer extraordinary biodiversity: The locals are technically protecting turtles & their nests. But other species benefit too. And the whole ecosystem of the area is better off for it. The local protectors are paid in baskets of food. (Brazil)
New project to monitor turtle nesting off Mackay (Queensland, Australia): The goal is to improve understanding of green and flatback turtle nesting in the area. The public is allowed to participate, so if you live in the area consider it!
Hope for Wildlife had a busy year: The center helps all wild animals, and turtles make up around 10% of its total patients. They also incubate turtle eggs when necessary, which is critical to helping Nova Scotia’s at-risk turtle population survive.
More leatherback eggs on Phang-Nga beach: The Thai beach hasn’t seen too many leatherback nests in more than a decade. But this is the 2nd nest in about a month. The same turtle may have laid both nests. Includes pictures.
Other turtle stories
Please be kind to turtles on the road: Eastern long-necked turtles are out in the rain recently. But they don’t understand the concept of “road” and need our help to survive it. (New South Wales, Australia)
Life lessons from sea turtles? Absolutely! Optimism, resilience, persistence, and more are valuable qualities for turtles & people alike.
Stop sitting & stepping on turtles! It just keeps happening everywhere. The most recent incident appears to be on a tour boat off Sabah (Malaysia). A child is sitting on a hawksbill turtle while someone else has a foot on it. Officials are investigating but aren’t sure when it actually happened. Environmentalists have issued a call for those involved to turn themselves in.