Other Turtle Discussion :: Turtle activism?

[gamera81]

My fiance bought a RES back in college that is now 5 years old and we are unable to give her the quality of life she needs and requires. In my research I have become so frustrated with the lack of information available to the general public -and especially pet stores- on the proper care of RESs (there was a similar post in regards to that here). Is there any way to become involved in an organized way in the prevention of sales of RESs in the first place? I would love to get involved in this and prevent others from the heartbreak, guilt, and challenge that my fiance and I now face in finding a better home for our turtle. I'm asking this same question to turtle rescues I'm trying to work with, but wondered if anyone here knew of anything?

[Az^FolkSinger]

Where are you located at?

[gamera81]

I'm in Boston MA...

[marisa]

Have you contacted Mass Turtle Rescue? www.maturtlerescue.org

[gamera81]

I am wary of contacting them b/c of their policy on red-ear sliders: http://www.maturtlerescue.org/red_eared_sliders.htm

But I know it wouldn't hurt just to send an email, so they are on my list of places to contact.

[cam722]

It seems to me they'd be the exact type of organization that you'd want to be involved with for the very reason they set forth in their policies. It seems to me that they are trying to stop people from getting them or to think twice before they do. It also seems like they are trying to educate people on the expense and upkeep of large aquatic turtles. Sounds like a great organization to be a part of

[marisa]

Are you trying to find a new home for your turtle because of the expense? Would any of the suggestions help? How about the possible sources listed for finding a new home by yourself if you really can't keep him?

I'd be looking for contacts, even through maturtlerescue. What about a children's zoo, the Science Museum, the Aquarium--not for placing your turtle, necessarily, more for finding the names of more places to contact.