Press Release
April 16, 2001
This Is Time of Year for Turtles to "Take A Hike"
Mates and New Watering Holes Are a Top Priority
Malibu, Calif. - April 16, 2001 - American Tortoise Rescue reminds turtle and
tortoise owners that Spring is the time of year that their reptiles start to
wake up from hibernation and escape from yards and ponds to look for mates and
new watering holes. Tortoises kept as pets and water turtles, like red-eared
sliders and pond turtles, are the best-known escape artists. Beginning in spring
and throughout summer, many are found wandering down streets and highways.
According to Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, founders of American Tortoise
Rescue (ATR), about 50 lost turtles and tortoises have already been turned in to
them in the past two months. "It's important to remember that tortoises will
look for a way to escape when mating season starts," says Tellem. "A small hole
in the fence, a gardener leaving the gate open, even a deep burrow that opens on
the other side of the fence are easy ways for tortoises to escape." Tellem adds,
"We get calls from very sad turtle owners whose pets of many years have run
away."
It is illegal in some states to keep a turtle or tortoise without a permit. The
permits are generally free and can prevent a lot of grief if the pet wanders
off. People also find water turtles wandering the streets in coastal states and
unknowingly take them to the beach. There are no fresh water turtles that can
survive salt water. If you find a turtle or tortoise, contact ATR at
800-938-3553. They will help find the owner and tell you what to do in the
meantime.
American Tortoise Rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation founded in 1990 to
provide for the rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and protection of all species
of tortoise and turtle. It offers permanent sanctuary to abandoned and lost
tortoises, as well as those that are confiscated by law enforcement and require
temporary housing. Foundlings that cannot be adopted because of ill health
remain in the care of American Tortoise Rescue for the remainder of their lives.
ATR has adopted more than 1,400 turtles to caring homes. For more information
check the web at www.tortoise.com.
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