Posted on: 2018-06-29 10:30:33
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Turtle stories that caught our eyes this week.
Happy stories like lifelong friendships with turtles … one of them going on 50 years!
Sad stories like turtles stuck in portable toilets or vandalized nests.
Plus sea turtle releases, revamping construction plans after discovering turtles, launching a new product line because injured turtles upset a child, and more.
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Recent Box Turtle News
More smugglers caught. Will they ever stop?
They tried to carry turtles onto an airplane in pillowcase and plastic bags. The 2 airline workers now face up to 5 years in prison for attempted smuggling of spotted and box turtles.
And this little guy wants to know if it’s safe to come out now:
Recent U. S. Turtle News
This week we have sea turtle releases and treatment. A few requests for things to not do to turtles (We’re pretty sure out readers already know these things … but maybe help spread the word?). And thoughts on the possible impacts of sea turtle tourism. Plus more
We start with a sweet story about a boy (now man) and his best turtle friend.
Diane the turtle is the star attraction in this store: She’s turning 50 years old, and she has fans all around the world. Her biggest fan may be owner Jim, who got her when he was recovering from a medical condition at age 12. Includes pictures. We just love seeing people who are devoted to their animals. 💚 (New Hampshire)
Sea turtle news
Pancake is a very special turtle: Of course, just being a green sea turtle makes her special. 💚 But she’s also the 1st patient at a brand new sea turtle rescue center in North Texas. Once she’s healed she’ll go back south for release.
Nine sea turtles go back home: Greens, Kemp’s ridleys, and a loggerhead all headed out to sea, cheered on by adoring fans. Includes videos. (North Carolina)
Guy Harvey the turtle is back home: He was released behind the Loggerhead Marine Life Center, and he looked eager to get back in the sea. Includes video. (Florida)
Turtle CT scans are becoming almost routine: Sea Turtle Inc is using the imaging technique for the 3rd time. This time 5 turtles took a trip from the center to Texas Health Care Imaging in Weslaco. The turtles’ issues range from fibropapilloma tumors to buoyancy problems.
We can’t believe we have to say this, but …
Don’t drill holes in turtle shells: Or chain 2 together through those holes. 😢 A good Samaritan found them & they’ve been released for a 2nd chance at life. Why do people do these things?! (Florida)
Please don’t put turtles in toilets: Any turtle. In any toilet. But especially not a snapping turtle in a portable toilet. Township workers rescued it and cleaned it off before letting it go. They believe someone put it in the toilet on purpose.
Please don’t vandalize sea turtle nests: Sadly, it looks like someone did just that on Siesta Key, Florida. 😢 Includes video.
Things to think about
Thoughts on sea turtle tourism from someone who spent time as a guide. Does it change the turtles’ nature and/or our relationship with them?
Can that “finger in a turtle stomach” really be true? There’s lots of questionable stuff floating around the internet, so we can’t blame the letter writer for being skeptical. But the short answer: Yes!
Miscellaneous turtle news
Injured mom’s eggs saved: Sadly the female snapping turtle was too injured to save. 😢 But her 38 eggs have a chance to hatch thanks to a concerned citizen and a turtle rehab specialist at a nearby vet clinic.
They adapted their construction plans for the turtles: The spiny softshell turtles weren’t supposed to be there, according to a resident herpetologist. But there they are. Living between 2 dams, apparently. So the city wants to make sure they can continue to survive.
On the hunt for New Jersey’s new state reptile: A New Jersey reporter went out with a state zoologist to find one. Apparently they’re not exactly easy to spot as they prefer hiding in the mud. Includes video … and yes, they found one of the little cuties.
And this police department protects all residents, no matter how small and slow. 💚
Recent International Turtle News
This week we have turtles found far from their native homes. A team effort to get an injured turtle to a wildlife center. Plus an upset child leads to a good use for abandoned fishing gear, and more.
We start with a pet dog that looks a lot like a turtle. Oh, wait no …
Nisse the turtle acts more like a dog: He follows his human mom around & always wants to know what she’s doing. 💚 He also follows his turtle sister around. Video.
Turtle rescues & releases
Map turtle found a bit far from home: Terry the map turtle is native to North America, but last week he showed up by a canal in Coventry (England). Most likely someone dumped him there. 😢 Luckily his discoverers knew he didn’t belong there & got him to safety. 💚
Sea turtle saved from fish market: It was on display and for sale, apparently as food. But now it’s back in the wild, where it belongs. (Egypt)
It takes a village … to get an injured turtle the care it needs. Rescued in Dryden (Ontario), the Western Painted Turtle took a plane ride, a truck ride, and spent a night at at a hotel to get to the Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre in Sudbury. Includes pictures.
After 4 long years, Rana goes home: But she has left a lasting legacy. Because of her there will soon be a marine turtle care center at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.
Miscellaneous turtle-related news
Abandoned fishing gear becomes “green” bags: All because one man’s son was upset about turtles getting caught in the stuff. See? One person really can make a difference! Of course it did take a whole team to make the vision a reality.
Where did the snapping turtle come from? Well, most recently probably from the nearby moat. But since they’re not native to Japan, how did it get to the moat? Officials say snappers could probably survive & breed in the area.
Cleaning up for the turtles: Volunteers cleared seaweed from a stretch of beach at the Xcacel-Xcacelito Sea Turtle sanctuary. 💚 They’re keeping the beach safe for nesting females. (Mexico)