In January 2020, Rose Tobin, a Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) critter volunteer, adopted two red-eared slider turtles before COVID-19 hit. They had come to SAS about a month or so before, and Rose got to know them during her weekly shifts. Knowing how hard it is to adopt out aquatic turtles, Rose decided to take them in.
Unfortunately, turtles that come into shelters in general are often sick and have shell rot because they haven’t been kept in appropriate conditions. Those who buy turtles from pet stores don’t know how large they eventually end up getting and how much maintenance it takes to keep them healthy. Care for turtles can often become costly, too. Aquatic turtles need powerful filters in their tanks and very regular water changes. They also need a basking area where they can bask completely out of the water. Their care requires heat lamps, water heaters, and UV lights.
Understanding all of this, Rose knew that when she was adopting them, she was buying time in the hopes that she could find them a good forever home at a place that could provide them with the proper care and environment, as well as they type of life they deserve.
Red-eared sliders are native to the southern U.S. and cannot simply be released in the appropriate regions or place. After speaking with a turtle conservationist, Rose understood that Squirt and Big Mama could potentially spread disease to other wild turtles and would likely not survive because they had been raised in captivity. Rose began looking for potential sanctuaries where they could live in a protected environment, but also have the freedom of living in a pond. Anna Pedroso, a volunteer lead for the critter foster volunteer team, was key in helping Rose find a forever home for Squirt and Big Mama. Anna did some research and found the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. The organization is a no-kill sanctuary that rescues hundreds of reptile species, 90% of which are abandoned, abused, and neglected animals from the pet trade.
After Rose gave the Phoenix Sanctuary a call in January 2021 to confirm they would be able to accept Squirt and Big Mama, Anna put out a plea in SAS’s weekly critter volunteer newsletter to see if anyone travelling to Arizona could give the two turtles a lift. Luckily, they were able to find a friend of a fellow critter volunteer, Karen, who could bring Squirt and Big Mama on their road trip to Arizona. During the day, Karen kept the turtles in small animal carriers and at night had them roaming around in their own water-filled tubs. “Squirt was by far the most social and wanted to see out the window so he got the middle seat with the best view,” shares Karen.
After two and a half days on the road (1,500 miles), Karen and the turtles arrived at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary on April 22, 2021. When the turtles were released, they swam off immediately. “There are hundreds of red eared sliders in this pool. Costco donates their unsold lobster tail, shrimp and produce to the sanctuary. These turtles eat better than a lot of people! Most turtles live out their lives here. All in all, it gave my husband and I great joy to liberate these three turtles on Earth Day to a great new life.”
“I am just so happy about this outcome,” says Rose. “It took a lot of time and work to keep the turtles in adequate conditions (weekly water changes, etc.); I’m so glad it all paid off and that these turtles got a new lease on life. All animals deserve the opportunity to live an authentic life.”
“Although I cared for the turtles, this was a joint effort. Between Anna’s support, research and help, and Karen’s generous offer to transport them, it was a team effort and I couldn’t have done it without them. I am grateful.”
Although Squirt and Big Mama found their forever home elsewhere, Rose enjoyed her time (16 months) with them when they were in her care. Squirt (the male), who was the smaller of the pair, was always very active and quite curious. He would always swim over to the side of his tank when someone walked into the room and swim back and forth looking for food or attention. Big Mama, on the other hand, was shy and hid a lot in her hideaway area. Although they had different personalities, they both enjoyed basking and very much looked forward to meal times, with very good appetites. Rose gave them separate tanks and also had an eight-foot kiddie pool, where she would let them get some exercise on a daily basis.
Thanks to the hard work, dedication, and passion for animal well-being of Rose, Karen, and Anna, Squirt and Big Mama are living happy, authentic turtle lives at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary.
To support Seattle Animal Shelter’s volunteers like Rose and Karen, consider donating to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation today.