Press Release
December 8, 1998
Do Not Buy Turtles For Holiday Gifts!
Los Angeles – December 8, 1998 – American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) is asking
holiday shoppers to not buy turtles or tortoises for gifts, especially for small
children.
According to ATR Founders Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, "We are opposed to
any live animal as a Christmas or Hanukkah gift. But, turtles are wild animals
that pose special problems and are more likely to become ill or even die after
being purchased as a house pet."
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 each other in cramped, cold burlap bags. Eventually, the
ultimate insult. 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.
Tellem and Thompson founded the rescue in the early 90s in order to provide a
safe haven for these creatures who find themselves exposed to the whims of the
pet trade. The couple have saved more than 800 turtles
and tortoises since then. Located in Los Angeles, 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 20 years, the vast worldwide pet trade has contributed greatly
to killing or endangering many species of turtles."
Tellem and Thompson ask that gift buyers think about the suffering that is
inflicted on turtles offered for sale during the holiday season. By choosing a
more suitable toy or a non-living stuffed animal, you can save a very special
creature.
For questions, adoption forms, information sheets and other information, call or
write American Tortoise Rescue at 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 655, Los Angeles,
CA 90036-3686; for voice mail and rescue information call 800-938-3553. American
Tortoise Rescue can be found online at
www.tortoise.com.
|
|
Alerts & Public Outreach
Chinese Market Update
Cool Turtle Items
Turtle Facts & Info.
Helpful Links & Information
Home |
