Press Release
May 10, 1999
American Tortoise Rescue "Drowning" in Water Turtles
Most Frequently Dumped Turtle is Red Eared Slider
Malibu – May 10, 1999-- American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit turtle
and tortoise rescue based in Malibu, has a large number of water turtles
available for adoption. The shelter has facilitated the adoption of more than
300 of these beautiful water turtles during the past year, but still has about
40 awaiting adoption. The founders of ATR, Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson,
say the best situation for sliders is a private pond, real or artificial.
Some people use with plastic horse troughs or plastic swimming pools, but the
sides have to be high enough so that the turtles cannot escape. Because turtles
can live 25 years or more, adoption is a true commitment.
"We recommend homes without small children and dogs," says Tellem. "Turtles can
carry diseases that can be transmitted to people, but if you wash your hands,
you’re safe. Kids do not always remember to do this. Schools are an absolute no
for this reason. " Tellem added that dogs think turtles are chew toys, sometimes
leading to painful and debilitating injuries to the turtles.
Tellem says that red eared sliders, the most common water turtle at the rescue,
usually are dumped by their former owners because they just don’t want them
anymore, rescued from live food markets where they were slated to become the
next unhappy meal and sold at mercados or by roadside vendors.
"Many people buy tiny water turtles in little plastic containers with colorful
pebbles and palm trees," says Tellem. "This is not only cruel to the turtles who
should be kept warm in order to eat, but it is against a Federal law to buy or
sell turtles under four inches (because of the salmonella danger)."
Tellem encourages anyone who sees this illegal activity to report it to the
police or to animal control. If all else fails, call ATR’s 800 number and give
the date, time and location of the vendor.
Tellem says, "Many of our sliders have names and are very personable. Some even
eat out of our hand." For more information or for an adoption form, contact ATR
at 800-938-3553 or visit the web site at
www.tortoise.com.
|
|
Alerts & Public Outreach
Chinese Market Update
Cool Turtle Items
Turtle Facts & Info.
Helpful Links & Information
Home |
