February 13, 2015 — As part of a global wildlife-trafficking issue that is growing exponentially, 22 tiny baby turtles — likely destined for soup pots in China — were recently rescued and brought to a nursery at the SoundWaters Coastal Education Center, in Stamford, where they are being coddled and cared for after a harrowing, near-smuggling experience.
Last fall, 211 baby turtles that had been stuffed into boots —with little air and no room to move were confiscated from international smugglers in Alaska. In December, once they were stabilized, the turtles were shipped to new homes at SoundWaters and 13 other facilities across the U.S.
SoundWaters President Dr. Leigh Shemitz, says most smuggled wild animals face a disastrous end.
“This is one of those rare poaching cases with a very happy ending, and the journey isn’t over.,” she said.
She adds that the rescued terrapins cannot be released back into the wild, so SoundWaters is now their permanent home.
“Diamondback terrapins have a lifespan of up to 40 years, so Connecticut and New York residents can follow each chapter of this success story for decades to come,” Dr. Shemitz said. “Our terrapins, and our students, will grow together.”
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