I work as a speech and language pathologist at an elementary school where I teach students about turtles and tortoises. Many students tell me that they have a turtle at home. These turtles are being kept with an inadequate supply of water, no filtration system, with no place that permits them to get out of the water and dry out their shell and their skin. I have even called parents to explain what they need to do to allow their pet to thrive. I feel so saddened to learn that many of these turtles die due to ignorance and neglect. Many of the parents speak Spanish only. Does anyone know of a good, simple care sheet for sliders that is written in Spanish? It would be great if it contained a photo of a good habitat or a line drawing that depicts the basking spot. I speak Spanish as a second language and will write a care sheet, if necessary. It would be great if I could find one already written in Spanish.
I'm so angry at pet stores that sell the little sliders with those plastic bowls that have the little palm trees. They don't want to tell parents that such an inexpensive turtle needs a more costly set-up so it can live. As a result, so many beautiful, gentle creatures, suffer and die needlessly.
Thank you for reading this post and for any information that you are willing and able to provide.
Janie Malsin
Upscale Reptiles
