Shelter for turtles

Problem

It is estimated that about 200,000 turtles have been abandoned in Dutch nature. They often die there after long periods of starvation and pose a threat to the local flora and fauna. The turtle species involved is the pond slider. This species has 3 known subspecies, namely the red-eared slider, cumberland slider and yellow-bellied slider.

Solution

To help these turtles, Faunawatch has started a turtle shelter in Maastricht. We have received a permit from the national government for helping these invasive turtles. The shelter has place for 500 turtles. We will take care of turtles that have been abandoned in nature and there is also space for found turtles and turtles that are brought to us by an owner in case they can’t take care of the turtle anymore. The turtles will first be quarantined. There they will be examined clinically and parasitologic exam will be conducted. They are also chipped. Then they will go to the large residential ponds where they can stay for the rest of their lives. Read more about housing here.