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Stop the Asian Live Food Markets in California

18 Years of Dying and Dead Turtles and Frogs Is EnoughWe have spent years trying to get the California Fish & Wildlife to stop importing non-native turtles and frogs into California for the Asian live food markets around the state, to no avail. Every time we were close, Asian politicians would storm the governor’s office or just go after the Fish & Wildlife commissioners who would get cold feet. They claim it is a matter of tradition. So was binding feet and shark fin soup, both outlawed here. Here’s a summary written by my colleague at Action for Animals – Eric Mills. He, Madeline

Open Letter to Parents Regarding the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie

From American Tortoise RescueDear Parents: We’re asking you to save a turtle’s life and perhaps even your child’s. What can you do to help? Buy Ninja action figures and toys instead of live turtles. This month, your children will be enjoying the extremely popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. It’s fun and great entertainment. We are writing to ask for your help. Since the first movie was released in 1990, hundreds of thousands of live turtles, mostly water turtles called red eared sliders, were purchased for between $10 and $25 after each ninja movie was released. The result?

American Tortoise Rescue Begs Parents Buy Ninja Toys Not Real Turtles

Numbers of Dumped Turtles Explodes After Each Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle MovieMalibu, CA – June 2, 2016 – American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) is asking parents to buy Ninja turtle toys not live turtles for children who see the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows scheduled for release June 3. (View a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2PD3kLfYlA.) After the hugely successful release of previous films, turtles, most commonly the red eared sliders, were purchased by the thousands for children who wanted their own ninja turtles. The purchase is often an impulse buy without

American Tortoise Rescue Shellebrates World Turtle Day Monday May 23

Join in the Fun with Contests, Prizes and a Free Party PackMalibu, CA – May 21, 2016 – American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is celebrating its 16th annual World Turtle Day® on May 23rd. The day was created by ATR to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.           Now celebrated around the globe, turtle and tortoise lovers are taking “shellfies” and holding “shellebrations” in the US, Canada, Pakistan, Borneo, India, Australia, the UK

Fish and Wildlife Commission Must Stop Importation of Turtles and Frogs for Asian Live Food Markets in California

Commission Meets In Santa Rose April 13 and 14For 18 years, we have been appearing before California Fish & Wildlife asking for the Commission to stop the importation of turtles and frogs into the Asian live food markets in California. The commission meets in Santa Rosa CA, April 13 and 14, Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa, 2777 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Eric Mills from Action for Animals will be speaking again Thursday. A 4th-grade school teacher and her class of 15 students have all written to Commissioner Richard Rogers (now gone), asking for them to do something about the

California Asian Live Food Markets Continue Killing Turtles and Frogs Even After Years of Protests

Commission Meets Again in Santa Rosa CA, April 13 and 14American Tortoise Rescue continues to work with other groups to stop the importation of turtles and frogs into the California Asian live food markets. For 18 years, we have been appearing before California Fish & Wildlife asking the Commission to stop the importation of turtles and frogs into the Asian live food markets in California. The commission meets in Santa Rosa CA, April 13 and 14, Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa, 2777 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Eric Mills from Action for Animals will be speaking again Thursday.

American Tortoise Rescue Asks Parents Not to Buy Turtles or Tortoise For Easter

Plenty Available for Adoption from Malibu RescueMalibu, CA – March 14, 2016 –  American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), Malibu, is asking parents not to buy turtles or tortoises for Easter gifts, especially for small children. The rescue offers many species for adoption and welcomes inquiries from forever homes. Turtles suffer injuries and stress during capture from the wild, usually with barbaric hooks or traps. During transportation from forest to pet store, turtles are piled on top of each other in cramped, cold burlap bags or boxes. Far from a safe outdoor home, they are offered for sale at

American Tortoise Rescue Celebrates World Turtle Day 2016 on May 23rd

All Volunteer Organization Celebrates 26 Years of Rescuing and RehomingMalibu, CA – January 11, 2016 – American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is celebrating its 16th annual World Turtle Day® on May 23rd.  The day was created by ATR as an observance to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.  Since 1990, Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, the founders of ATR, have rescued and rehomed about 3,000 tortoises and turtles to caring homes.  ATR also

Five Reasons to Not Buy a Turtle or Tortoise for Christmas/Holiday Gifts

American Tortoise Rescue Suggests Fun Toys or Donations InsteadAmerican Tortoise Rescue , the international nonprofit for turtle and tortoise protection, is asking consumers to not buy live animals, especially turtles and tortoises, as holiday gifts.  According to Susan Tellem, co-founder of American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), while these wonderful reptiles have outlived the dinosaurs, wide spread illegal smuggling and the commercial pet trade in turtles and tortoises has devastated wild populations worldwide.  Many once thriving species are now threatened or

Safely Hibernating Turtles And Tortoises

It Depends on Where You LiveIt's that time of year when your good shelled friends are going down for winter hibernation...skinny or sick animals should not hibernate nor should African and warm weather tortoises like Leopards, Elongatas, Sulcatas, Redfoots, etc.  For them, you must provide consistent warm temperatures with a Kane heat pad available from www.beanfarm.com.  I do not recommend hibernating any animal under three years of age.  Hibernate deserts, Russians and others in your house in a cool room (under your bed is fine). In california and other south western states without

Goofy Has His Own Rescue T-Shirt!

We're Excited To Announce a New Fundraiser for Turtles and Tortoises!Goofy is a male Eastern box turtle who was relinquished to American Tortoise Rescue about a year ago. He was undernourished, and we think he has vision problems because he cannot seem to see the food or worms in front of him. We hand feed him worms and bananas to make sure he gets enough to eat. He has a great personality and is very funny with a goofy sense of humor. He loves posing for the camera. While he lived in the main turtle yard for many months, he suddenly decided he preferred living with the boggy turtles in

Call for Entries: 2015 Rescued Turtle and Tortoise Photo Contest!

American Tortoise Rescue Celebrates World Turtle Day 2015 on May 23rdMay 19, 2015 -- Malibu, CA -- To celebrate World Turtle Day® 2015, American Tortoise Rescue is calling for those who have rescued a turtle or tortoise for a forever home to submit a photo of their rescued animal.  The top 20 winners will have their photos published on Facebook, twitter, Instagram and the tortoise rescue’s website in addition to recognition in an upcoming book about rescued turtles and tortoises.  The first place winner will receive a World Turtle Day merchandise including a t-shirt and hoodie, as well as a

American Tortoise Rescue Celebrates World Turtle Day 2015 on May 23rd

All Volunteer Organization Celebrates 25 Years of Rescuing and RehomingMalibu, CA – April 27, 2015 – American Tortoise Rescue  (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is celebrating its 15th annual World Turtle Day® on May 23rd.  The day was created by ATR as an observance to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.  Since 1990, Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, the founders of ATR, have rescued and rehomed about 3,000 tortoises and turtles

American Tortoise Rescue Celebrates WorldTurtleDay® 2015 on May 23rd

All Volunteer Organization Celebrates 25 Years of Rescuing and RehomingMalibu, CA – March 30, 2015 – American Tortoise Rescue  (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is celebrating its 15th annual World Turtle Day® on May 23rd.  The day was created by ATR as an observance to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.  Since 1990, Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, the founders of ATR, have rescued and rehomed about 3,000 tortoises and turtles

Keep your Pets Safe During the Holidays

Holiday Plant Safety from California Poison ControlAmerican Tortoise Rescue thanks California Poison Control  for providing a "Holiday Plant Safety Tip Sheet" that can be used to keep turtles and tortoises, as well as any pets and small children safe during the holidays and after. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.): This exotic plant from tropical America and Africa has brilliant-colored flowers and green strap-shaped leaves. A stomach-ache can occur if the bulb is eaten. Christmas Cactus: This is an old favorite during the holiday season. The arching, drooping

Five Reasons to Not Buy a Turtle or Tortoise for Christmas/Holiday Gifts

American Tortoise Rescue Suggests Fun Toys or Donations InsteadMalibu, CA – December 2, 2014 – American Tortoise Rescue , the international nonprofit for turtle and tortoise protection, is asking consumers to not buy live animals, especially turtles and tortoises, as holiday gifts.  According to Susan Tellem, co-founder of American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), while these wonderful reptiles have outlived the dinosaurs, wide spread illegal smuggling and the commercial pet trade in turtles and tortoises has devastated wild populations worldwide.  Many once thriving

American Tortoise Rescue Partners With Groupon Grassroots for Halloween Fundraiser

Initiative Will Provide Funds for Turtle and Tortoise Medical CareMalibu, CA – October 21, 2014 – American Tortoise Rescue , a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all turtles and tortoises, and Groupon Grassroots, the philanthropic arm of Groupon.com, announced today the launch of a fundraising campaign for the week prior to and including Halloween. All donations to this campaign will be used by American Tortoise Rescue to provide lifesaving medical services and veterinary care for rescued turtles and tortoises. For every $500 raised,

It's Lead Poisoning Prevention Week October 19-25

From China and Antarctica to Ohio and California, no nation or state is free of lead poisoning.It’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - lead affects humans and wildlife, children and adults, with children being the most susceptible to harm from lead.  California Poison Control System  warns parents that lead can be found in a variety of products.  Here are 10 lead poisoning prevention tips: 1. Make sure your children do not put their mouths on painted surfaces, such as toys or window sills. 2. Report chipped or cracked paint to your property owner,

Just Get A Sulcata Tortoise? Here's How to Care for It

African Tortoises Have Very Special NeedsThe African Spurred known as a sulcata is a herbivorous tortoise, thus a high fiber intake of grasses, hay, weeds or roughage should form the bulk of its diet. Wild tortoise feces are generally well compacted, well formed, and very high in varied grass content. In captivity a variety of vegetables and some fruit can be offered. Although sulcata  will eat animal protein, it should be avoided as it will cause carapace deformity. It should be noted that excessive quantities of beans, bean sprouts, peas and similar rich protein rich vegetables can lead

Giant Sulcata Tortoises Overwhelm U.S. Rescues

American Tortoise Rescue Calls for a Halt on Sales and BreedingMalibu, CA – October 7, 2014 – American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), Malibu, CA, is calling on the pet industry, reptile wholesalers and private breeders to stop the breeding and sale of giant tortoises commonly called sulcatas.  Geochelone sulcata is a hardy and personable species of tortoise.  Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it became part of the lucrative pet trade during the 1990s.  Hatchlings have an engaging nature and are extremely cute making them one of the most commonly purchased pet tortoises in North America, usually as

Spike in Giant Sulcata Tortoise Thefts Worries Owners

Impressive Size Makes Tortoise Attractive to ThievesMalibu, CA – September 24, 2014 – American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), Malibu, CA, is seeing a nationwide spike in the theft of giant tortoises commonly called sulcatas.  Owners from California and Ohio to Chicago and South Carolina are heartbroken when their large pets are stolen right out of their yards. Geochelone sulcata is a hardy and personable species of tortoise.  Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it one of the most commonly purchased pet tortoises in North America.   Because sulcatas are the third largest species of tortoise in the

Starting a Turtle and Tortoise Rescue

Think Before you LeapJust about 25 years ago, I made the mistake of buying two Russian tortoises at a pet store because my husband mentioned casually that he liked turtles.  Fast forward, and we at American Tortoise Rescue saved more than 3,000 of these helpless, but wonderful creatures. How did that happen? When you adopt or buy an animal – we advocate always adopt – you have a duty to find out what it needs to survive – food, water, baths, vaccinations – whatever it needs. When my husband and I discovered what turtles and tortoises needed, we found that they were in terrible trouble

Letter to Parents Regarding the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie From American Tortoise Rescue

Dear Parents:   We’re asking you to save a turtle’s life and perhaps even your child’s.  In August, your children will be enjoying another edition of the extremely popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie release.  This will include a whole new generation of kids who missed the 2007 animated film.  It’s fun and great entertainment. But, we are writing this to ask for your help.  Since the first movie was released in 1990, hundreds of thousands of live turtles, mostly water turtles called red eared sliders, were purchased for between $10 and $25 after each ninja movie was

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