American Tortoise Rescue seeks homes for shellbacks

American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit turtle and tortoise rescue based in Malibu, is looking for good homes for both water turtles and desert tortoises. The shelter has adopted-out more than 3,000 of these animals since 1994, but the need for new private homes is great.

"We get the wanderers, the abandoned, those left to die, the fugitives from the hell-hole of the live food markets, confiscations by animal control and those dumped by people who live out of state and no longer want their pets," said Marshall Thompson, co-founder of ATR.

Susan Tellem, the other co-founder, and Thompson said the best homes for water turtles have a real or artificial pond. The yard must be securely fenced, ideally with concrete block or wood because turtles can climb chain link or vine-covered fences. They need rocks or logs so that they can bask or crawl out and lay eggs, as well as a snug hiding place so they feel secure. Many people successfully put turtles in with their koi. Most of the time, they coexist peacefully, and they eat the same food.

"Because turtles can live 25 years or more, adoption is a true commitment," said Thompson. "Tortoises live even longer, so be ready to put them in your will." Life expectancy for a tortoise is 100 years or more.

"We recommend homes without small children and dogs," said Tellem. "Turtles can carry diseases that can be transmitted to people, but if you wash your hands frequently, you’re generally safe. Kids do not always remember to do this, so schools are an absolute no for this reason."

Tellem added that dogs see turtles as chew toys, which can lead to painful and debilitating injuries to the turtles. Red-eared sliders, the most common turtle at the rescue, are the hardest to place because there are fewer ponds than grassy backyards.

"Many people buy tiny water turtles in little plastic containers with colorful pebbles and palm trees," said Thompson. "This is illegal and against the federal law that prohibits the sale of turtles under four inches."

The law was enacted to protect children against salmonella, and it applies to tortoises as well as water turtles. The tiny turtles can grow to be six to 12 inches and live for 25 years, something most sellers do not tell the unwitting buyer. Thompson encourages anyone who sees this illegal activity to report it to the police or to animal control. If all else fails, call ATR’s 800 number and give the date, time and location of the vendor.

To adopt, go to the Website at www.tortoise.com and fill out an adoption form; for those without Web access, call (800) 938-3553 and leave a name and mailing address.