i am thinking of releasing my red-eared sliders (4) in a little creek that is located in the botanical gardens of my university. i've staked it out, and there are red-eared sliders there. i'm wondering what their survival chancs are, though--will they know to eat plants on their own and that they need to hibernate in the winter? i've been trying to shift them to a vegetable diet, but they don't seem to like vegetables much (they are about 3 years old). they like their turtle food & fruit much more. i just want to do what's best for them--i want to give them a better life than they can get in a stupid tank, but considering that they have not been in out of a tank before, i am worried that they will not be able to survive. anyone have any advice?
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releasing turtle into school botanical garden--survival chances?
Replies (3)
you should never release captive animals into the wild...There are many other options - rescue organizations, rehoming them yourself, or finding a neighbor who would like them...
I can possibly help you find homes for your sliders. Email me at Danegerturtle@aol.com if you'd like help.
B,
Although it sounds like a better option for the turtle, it's not a good idea. Many captive turtles house bacteria not found in the wild and may pass these onto the wild turtles. This is a risk best avoided. Additionally, depending on where you live, the red-eareds may be introduced. It happens often when people who keep them don't want them anymore. I live in San Francisco which is far away from Redear territory, but the ponds and lakes in Golden Gate park are teaming with them.
They also have dead turtles floating in the ponds and found on the sides as many die due to overpopulation or disease. Additionally, the native species like the Pacific Pond (threatened) must then compete with the red-ear who for some reason has the edge (I think it reproduces like mad).
You should try to find someone with a pond and adopt the turtle to them. It's best.
Good luck.
Paul
I strongly agree! RES are the "rats" of the turtle world, found on nearly all temperate and tropical continents now.
