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Rescue Warns Don't Buy Turtles For Easter Plenty Available for Adoption from Malibu Rescue Malibu, Calif. - March 27, 2004 - American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), Malibu, is asking parents to not buy turtles or tortoises for Easter gifts, especially for small children. The rescue offers many different species for adoption and welcomes inquiries from adoptive "parents." According to ATR Founders Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, "Turtles and tortoises are wild animals that pose special problems and are more likely to become ill or even die after being purchased as a house pet." Tellem also points out that reptiles carry salmonella that is potentially fatal to kids. "Kids put their hands in their mouths, and that can transmit disease after they have touched a turtle," says Tellem. Turtles suffer injuries and stress from violent capture from the wild, usually with barbaric hooks or traps. During transportation from forest to pet store turtles are piled on top of each other in cramped, cold burlap bags. Far from a safe outdoor home, they are offered for sale at pet stores, mercados, street corners and reptile shows. Many live the rest of their lives in small tanks in homes, a miserable existence for such a wild creature. "Habitat destruction, live markets where turtles are sold for food and international trade in exotics have led to the stunning decline in these gentle creatures," says Thompson. "They are threatened or endangered all over the world." Tellem and Thompson founded the rescue almost 15 years ago in order to provide a safe haven for these creatures that find themselves exposed to the whims of the pet trade. The couple has saved more than 3,000 turtles and tortoises since then. Located in Malibu, Calif., but with a national reach, ATR offers permanent sanctuary to injured, abandoned and lost tortoises, as well as temporary housing for those confiscated by law enforcement. Foundlings that are ill, neglected or abused and are not appropriate for adoption remain in the care of ATR for the remainder of their lives. Thompson says that many people mistakenly see these special creatures as just "rocks with legs," while, in fact, their existence is a bellwether of survival as a whole. "These creatures have existed for 200 million years," says Tellem. "But in the past 50 years, the vast worldwide pet trade and habitat destruction have contributed greatly to killing or endangering many species of turtles." Tellem and Thompson ask that parents think about the suffering that is inflicted on turtles offered for sale during the Easter season. By choosing a more suitable toy or a non-living stuffed animal, you can save a very special creature. "Our web site is full of information about rescuing turtles and tortoises and how to care for them," says Tellem. "They need loving homes, preferably without children under 12 and dogs." Concerned citizens are urged to contact Senator Landrieu opposing S. 1082 by emailing her public relations contact at scott_Schneider@landrieu.senate.gov or call (202)224-5824 and FAX (202) 224-9735. Tellem and her husband Marshall Thompson founded the nonprofit rescue in 1990 in order to provide a safe haven for these creatures who find themselves exposed to the whims of the pet trade, unscrupulous reptile breeders and street vendors. The couple have saved more than 3,000 turtles and tortoises since then. Located in Malibu, Calif., but with an international membership, ATR offers permanent sanctuary to injured, abandoned and lost tortoises, as well as temporary housing for those confiscated by law enforcement. Foundlings that are ill, neglected or abused and are not appropriate for adoption remain in the care of ATR for the remainder of their lives. For questions, adoption forms, information sheets and other information, write American Tortoise Rescue at 23852 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 928, Malibu, CA 90265, FAX (310) 479-4114 or e-mail info@tortoise.com or visit www.tortoise.com. |
 Alerts & Public Outreach |
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