We love animals of all kinds, but our organization is most prepared and equipped to care for cats and dogs. Every once in a while, a bird, guinea pig, reptile, bunny, rat, or even pig slips into the mix – but rarely – unless the stars align and we have the ability to offer a good spot for them. Otherwise, we refer them to another organization with the resources to do so.
A turtle was left on our porch this month, and we have experience with being frustrated an animal was left unattended after hours, but for a Box Turtle, there was an extra weight behind the frustration. It’s helpful for us to know the background of a cat or dog, but for this turtle, not knowing was a big problem.
Box Turtles can live for 50 years in the wild. They remain in the same few square acres their entire lives. That’s their comfort zone – they know where to journey for food, water, shelter, everything they need to survive exists for them in that area, and if they’re removed, they can neglect their basic needs in favor of making it back to where they belong.
We didn’t know where he came from, so we couldn’t return him home to release him. We also didn’t know if he had been a pet or a wild found turtle. We contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and they agreed, he needed to be kept in captivity.
While looking for a spot he could live safely, we struggled to find “adopters” who had experience with Box Turtle care – and the ones who did were usually already at the legal limit of owning two.
Luckily, we found a soft spot for him to land where he will be cared for, and we hope his adjustment to his new life is received well by him.
If you come across a turtle crossing the road, help them cross and put them on the opposite side they were traveling. Don’t bring them somewhere “safer.” They belong where they are. If you come across injured wildlife, contact St. Francis Wildlife Association but take a photo of where they were found, so they can be released after their rehabilitation.
IF THEY ARE NOT INJURED, LEAVE THEM BE.
DO NOT ABANDON ANIMALS ON OUR PORCH OUTSIDE OUR HOURS.
Why Do YOU Give?