Reptile & Amphibian Forums

yesterday I went to a local museum to see what herps they had and on exhibit and I must say I was appauled at the condition of the chelonians, the box turtles were even pyramided, over grown beaks, a red foot that reminded me of a sulcata tort I saw some time ago on this forum front of the carapace was all pyramided out like a bubble kind of, and the lower half was about half the size and slanted downward, they had another redfoot that was probly around 4 years old was smaller than the sulcatas and adult redfoot in the cage, no humidity(I know humidity's bad for sulcatas..) no places to hide, now I know pyramiding takes a while so the one that was in really bad shape might not have been their fault(though they may have just moved him upstairs that what they did with other herps) all of their box turtles were kept too dry and they had wood turtles that looked sickly, they had 3 snappers in a too small tank and several people got to witness them snapping eachothers tails, non of the aquatics in the smaller tanks had basking areas, they had close to 7 box turtles in an aprox 26x26 space, one three toe box was 3" long and had a MAJORLY deformed shell and they all had over grown beaks, I know these guys were perminent residents same with the sulcatas and 2 redfoots and woods, I guess what I'm getting at is this to me is cruelty, who would one call/contact to get these chelonians in better enclosures or out of the museum?

sorry for the rant.
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Sounds like a real winner of a place

Before going to authorities I would approach the museum. I know that a place under this title is supposed to be science based and knowledgeable, but it is quite likely that they overstepped there boudaries when taking in these animals. Prior to approaching the musuem, perhaps do a self check on your turtle background (are you the right person to guide them?). I suggest discussing with your local herp society a course of action. Perhaps they have a designated member who already deals with these types of situations. In any case, bring a written summery of care requirements (care sheets) for the species involved.

Be friendly. Begin by assuming that they have been niave and want to care for these animals properly. During your discussion you should state that some of the problems with the animals are severe and because of this you feel compelled to follow up with them. On follow up, if little or no progress is made, continue to try and help, and mention that if corrections aren't made you will be forced to contact bi-law or animal control on the situation.

Of course if at any time they are obviously uncooperative then contact authorities.

Possible contacts include animal control/pound, the local humane society (they will know contacts if anything else), and if at a loss you can always call the police complaint number and they should be able to direct you. I can't give specifics on who to contact because it does vary so much from place to place.

This is how I'd go about it, hope it helps

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