Turn the Tide for Turtles

As a founding member of the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) American Turtle Program, we work with the Turtle Survival Alliance to combat turtle declines across the country. We expanded our enclosure capacity this past year to turn the tide for our reptilian friends!

Across North America, a silent hero faces a steady decline. Turtles play a vital role in healthy ecosystems by dispersing seeds and cycling nutrients. To the surprise of many, this humble creature often falls victim to illegal poaching. Smugglers capture the animals from their natural territory, seeking a high-dollar price worldwide.

As a founding member of the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) American Turtle Program, we work with the Turtle Survival Alliance and a network of partners to combat turtle declines across the country. The program recaptures smuggled individuals, assesses their health, and aims to return them home. Locally, we focus on the loss of the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), and we function as a long-term holding facility for screened turtles.

This past year, we built six enclosures to house these animals. As our capacity expands, we’re a prime example of how nature centers can partner with AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) facilities to further turtle conservation through housing and care. We’re currently seeking grant support for field research on our campus. By sampling wild box turtles for local disease, we can evaluate the potential for returning confiscated turtles to the wild. Your support helps us turn the tide for our reptilian friends!