Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello!

I have an unusual question that I was hoping someone could help me with. I am looking for a ‘turtle refuge’ or relocation site in the southeastern US that will accept box turtles.

I live in Oregon and for many years, I rescued/rehabilitated box turtles. I still have four Gulf Coast (Terrapene carolina major) and one three-toed (T. c. triunguis) box turtle, which I have had for >10 years. I keep them in a large, semi-enclosed greenhouse, and they are in the best of health.
They have gone to numerous schools and classrooms with me over the years and taught many people, but the demands of work, etc. are increasing and I will not have as much time for that anymore. Because they are my friends, I would like to ‘retire’ them back to the wild – or as close as possible.
I realize the issues involved with repatriation of captive turtles. However, when I was doing extensive painted turtle studies a few years ago, we routinely trapped sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), which the project leader sent to some (private?) refuge for turtles – I think in Texas. Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone knew of any such place or had any advice on this subject.
Thanks so much for all your help – I really appreciate it!!

Sincerely,

Chris

PS: my email has changed - just reply on this thread, please. Thanks!!

sorry I can't help you with the refuge thing,
but.. you cannot release LTC box turtles into their natural range, you could kill off the entire areas wild box turtle population, thats why it's illegal.
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My Site
1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.0 Melopsittacus undulatus
1.1 American Cocker Spaniels
1.0 American Short Hair? Cat
1.1 Rouen Ducks

Yes, I am aware of the dangers of releasing wild reptiles, especially turtles. That's why I asked about the refuge - it's a weird idea, I know, but the people I was working with were shipping their turtles somewhere...it must have been private.

Anyway, thanks for your help. If I have to get rid of them, I'd rather they not go to some well-meaning captive situation where they will be dead or passed off onto someone else within a few months.

Thanks again,

chris

Have you checked for rescue/refuges on Anapsid.org?
Melissa Kaplan's site has a pretty exhaustive list of resources for herpers.
Good luck with them!
Stephanie