Press Release
August 20, 2002
Don't Buy Turtles for Christmas Gifts
Malibu - August 20, 2002 - 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 top of 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 1,800 turtles and
tortoises since then.
Located in Malibu, 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 23852 Pacific Coast Hwy,
Box 928, Malibu CA 90265; for voice mail and rescue information call
800-938-3553; FAX (310) 479-4114;
www.tortoise.com
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