The red-eared slider is one of the most commonly surrendered or abandoned pets in America and other countries. These turtles can quickly grow from quarter-sized hatchlings to become dinner-plate-sized giants. This leads to questions such as “Where can I donate my red-eared slider turtles?”
We also know that pet owners never want to have to part with their beloved pets. These turtles can live for many years and may require thousands or hundreds of dollars in care.
Your turtle and your circumstances are the most important. If you decide to place your turtle in the care of someone else, it is entirely up to you. There are a few things to keep in mind.
It’s not only about the emotional and environmental consequences of parting with a Red-eared slider. These ‘invasive species’ have the potential to decimate the turtle population if they are released into the wild.
This blog will explore the best and most appropriate options for you to donate your Red-eared Slider.
Let’s begin.
Where Can I Donate My Red-Eared Slider Turtles?
If you are considering giving up your Red-eared slider, a friend or relative who is willing and able to adopt a turtle as a pet would be your best option. You can also contact your local reptile rescue center or zoo to make an application.
Let’s take a look at each option in greater detail below.
Friends Or Families That Will Love Your Pet The Way You Do
This may not be the right answer for you. You may have tried this idea before. But, I want you to hear my point.
First, it will give you the emotional closure that you seek by giving your turtle to someone who is capable of caring for him. It will also relieve the pressure on reptile rescue centres that are already stretched beyond their capabilities.
Red-eared sliders are very unlikely to find a new home once they have been adopted or rescued. It’s best to find someone who is experienced and willing to care for these turtles.
It is important to assess whether the potential owner is ready and able to take on a Red-eared slider. Are you sure that he’s financially and emotionally stable enough to care for a turtle? Does his home environment provide enough support?
After you have given up your pet, be sure to inquire about him frequently during the first few months. You may also request photos or videos. These requests should be made clear to the turtle before they are given. This will ensure that they don’t become annoyed by your repeated inquiries later.
A Nearby Zoo Or Park With Turtles In Care
Although it may seem impossible to give your turtle away to a local Zoo or Part, there is no harm in trying. This is great news for your Red-eared slider, too. They can mix and mingle with other turtles, and don’t need to adapt to extreme environmental changes.
Many states have zoos or animal parks that will accept turtles if it’s available. You can always call and explain the situation. There is a legal aspect to giving your turtle away. You will need to fill out paperwork before you give your pet away if everything goes according to plan.
Reptile Rescue and Adoption Centers
There are many rescue and adoption centers in the US for reptiles that have the infrastructures, resources and trained staff to provide a safe and secure environment for your Red-eared slider.
Some centers can house all types of animals while others only house reptiles. Others are exclusively for turtles. You will need to complete paperwork and undergo screenings in order to make sure you are the rightful owner.
This page contains a comprehensive list of turtle rescue centres located in all 50 states.
It is important to remember that you should never leave your house unattended. Call first to discuss your situation and book an appointment.
Local Pet Stores
For a small fee, many fish and pet shops will adopt your Red-eared Slider. These turtles have a high abandonment rate, but the buying and selling rates are very low. Millions of Sliders are commercially bred every year for the pet trade.
There’s a good chance your local pet shop will accept your pet. Adults are less likely to be accepted than children and infants.
However, it is important to assess the buyer’s intentions and capabilities again.
It is possible that your turtle could be used for breeding and then abandoned in the wild. You should confirm that the store is reliable, honest, and will provide you with updates about the turtle’s health in the future.
Can I Leave My Red-Eared Slider Into The Wild?
Did you know that in Mid-Atlantic states such as New York, New Jersey and Virginia, it is illegal to release a Slider tortoise into the wild? You could be in serious legal trouble for your reckless actions. This can also be disastrous for the local ecosystem. The answer is no. Your turtle should never be left in the wild.
The Red-eared Slider will become extremely stressed and exhausted by the time he is dumped in an unknown area. Most often, the Red-eared Slider will die from starvation, cold and predation within days of being abandoned.
Sometimes, the pet might survive and even reproduce to create self-sustaining bales. This is not good news. This will undoubtedly have disastrous consequences for native wildlife species.
Why? Red-eared sliders have a reputation for being intruders. They are able to reach sexual maturity early and have a very long period of fecundity. They can grow to be quite large (10-12 ”),), and they are often able to dominate any area they visit, including food, resources, and basking spots.
Sliders have succeeded in destroying and replacing native turtle populations in several states, including Oregon, Washington, California, and Washington.
Last but not least, the release of pet turtles that have been raised in captivity to the wild could lead to an epidemic of diseases wild turtles are not aware of and cannot fight.
Two Options To Try Before Donating Your Red-Eared Slider
If you think you might be able to keep the Slider turtle, I will ask you to give it 100%. Sometimes all that is needed is a little bit more money and time. You can enjoy a wonderful interspecies friendship that lasts a good portion of your life.
Outdoor turtles can be found in sliders. For easier care, you can make an outdoor habitat. You can also evaluate the current equipment and habitats to determine if you can make any improvements or modifications.
Relocate Red-Eared Slider To Outdoor Habitat
Sliders love fenced-in backyard pools of at least 300 gallon capacity, dug below the frost line. It’s not an easy task and it can sometimes be impossible for some people, but I strongly recommend that you move it to an outside pond if space is available and money is available. You don’t need to make it extravagant.
You don’t need to worry about 10 different basking lights. The sun will provide all the UVB and light he needs. You can also plant some edible plants and provide food for minnows or goldfish in the pond.
Although the initial effort and labor cost might seem excessive, I can assure you that they are well worth it.
Consider Equipment Changes
If Slider is not able to live a happy life, consider moving to a larger tank. If the tank is getting too dirty, it might be time to get a better filter.
Fluval is a trusted brand that I trust with the turtle shell I use.
This filter is suitable for tanks upto 400 gallons. It features Smart Pump Technology, which allows for multi-stage filtration. Works Like a charm!
Siphon kits of high quality can make your life easier by getting rid of all gunks and other debris.
Conclusion On Where Can I Donate My Red-Eared Slider Turtles
Red-eared Slider turtles can be donated to a charity – This is the question that thousands of reptile owners ask each year. Owning a turtle can be a huge commitment over the course of your entire life.
If you feel that you are unable or unwilling to care for your Slider, you can consider a friend or relative who is a turtle lover. You could also give him to a local reptile rescue center or pet shop.
It is important to keep your turtle in captivity. This can cause irreparable damage to the Slider’s turtle population and the native turtle population. You could even be in legal trouble!