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!!

i found this site that may help you turtlehomes.org. I also have an email address of a guy in texas that may be able to help you. If you want his contact info please email me and i will give it to you. hope this helps.

You can email info@ksreptiles.com and get some information. They are a reptile sanctuary in Poulsbo, WA but they also work with reptile orginizations in California when it comes to placing their turtles and tortoises. I work for the sanctuary and have just re-homed my Sulcata Tortoise to Southern California and it was a great experience. Just email Kindered Spirits and Lily should be able to give you the name of someone in California that will be able to work with you in finding a suitable "wild" home for your turtles.

Good luck.

Educating the public is the only way to prevent this from happening.

Thanks a bunch, guys! I really appreciate it!!

Best,

chris

i will adopt them i have a triunguis also and he has enough room...i have a 10x8 foot turtle garden and have been looking to adopt a couple more
you can email me at garretts_herps@yahoo.com
or norcal_mr_Bently@yahoo.com

Hi! This is Sandie with Turtle Love Ranch in CA. My turtle rescue is a wonderful place for box turtles. They have the free run of the yard, they have a pond for drinking and soaking, and they are allowed to breed and hibernate outdoors as naturally as possible. There are many fruit trees in the yard which they enjoy eating the fallen fruit from when in season. It is never a good idea to release long-term captive animals back into the wild. I work with rescued animals, so I keep medications on hand at all times. I have been working with turtles and tortoises for 20 years. Please visit my website for more information. Please e-mail me at turtleloveranch@aol.com. Thanx!

Turtle Love Ranch