Turtle Sanctuary & Guesthouse

My big dream

Since years with my turtle-lover friends we are considering the idea to build a guesthouse and a shelter for unwanted pet turtles. The majority of exotic turtles are counted to the invasive species in my country, e. g. red-eared or yellow-eared sliders, gliders, snapping turtles, and so on.

Lovely baby turtles are bought by adults for their kids. Alas, as the animal grows in size, they mean more ‘problem’: they need expert care, bigger enclosure, aquaterrarium with special lighting and water filters, fresh-water fishes for food, etc. Also, turtles aren’t ideal pets for children: they don’t cuddle and don’t enjoy being handled. This is why hundreds or even thousands of pet turtles end up discarded. They get thrown into rivers, lakes or ponds. Despite of the common belief, these places are far from being ideal for these creatures. They are likely to starve, to freeze, or to die because of weakness, illness, or a predatory attack. Those who survive are serious threat to local wild fauna.

Red-eared and yellow-eared sliders are famous invasive species, massively built, made-to-survive animals. In my country, placing them into the nature is a crime. However, no serious sanctions are applied against careless owners…

I made this little stop-motion video:

We all see that the problem exists, but no solution comes from the state, and the most of the conservationist organizations are rather short on funds. So, it’s up to us, turtle-lovers to do something.

What would this complex be like? Check my plans:

The Foundation

First it’d make sense to create a foundation. After the foundation has been successfully established, the further actions, purchases, construction works, terrain works would be directed and financed by the foundation. Later the maintenance, operation, and other sanctuary connected activities would be in the responsibility of the foundation.

Potentially invasive species that would be adopted to save natural waters:

• Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
• Yellow-eared slider (Trachemys scripta scripta)
• River cooter (Pseudemys concinna heiroglyphica)
• False map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica)
• Balkan pond turtle (Mauremys rivulata)
• Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)
• Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
• Western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta belli)

Construction and design

We’d construct several, different sized ponds with different depths. I plan real deep points (deeper than 1.5 m) at a few points only. The land would host multiple ponds which are connected via bridges and tunnels. Small islands and big branches fit for basking would be placed into the ponds, along with hiding places near the banks.

There will be a swampy and waterfall part, and a place where turtles can swim headlong about 20 m. The water body cleaning will be operated by filters and pumps. For cleaning we would only use natural substances. The filters will be tended monthly to make sure the water has a stable good quality. Small fishes will be moved into the ponds (body length max 10-15 cm), plus frogs, aquatic snails, and aquatic plants, plus reeds.

Buildings

Choosing a ready-built house would be the best, with minimum four rooms, and one conference room sized. In the underground level, additional aqua-terrariums could be placed and with a veterinary station. A part of the building may be an apartment, fit for living.

Choosing a ready-built house would be the best, with minimum four rooms, and one conference room sized. In the underground level, additional aqua-terrariums could be placed and with a veterinary station. A part of the building may be an apartment, fit for living.

The setup

Building areas are the square blocks, the blue ones are the pond areas, near the guesthouse building you can see the relax areas, and in the land here and there are meditation spots, and of course, around the biggest pond is the area with minimal human disturbance for the turtles to enjoy sunbath and swimming.

Everything would be designed with the comfort of the turtles in mind. There are questions about making a sort of roofs for smaller ponds, to defend the animals from bird attacks. The fences would have to be also thoughtfully constructed, to prevent escaping. Every animal would get a microchip for identification. Monitoring and ethological research would be possible with underwater cameras. Laid eggs would be collected from special sandy areas, preventing hatching.

Sustainability

I was shaping the idea of this project keeping in mind that it must be able to sustain itself, we oughtn’t simply rely on donation money. We need a solid income to be able to offer a worthy, good quality and long-term care for the adopted animals.

Income sources:

• Guest house’s income, it’s rooms available all year
• On a part of the land there could be a garden and a few flower fields (rose, lavender, etc.). To sustain these we can apply for some agricultural tender and state support, subsidy
• Writing tenders for the EU committee responsible for the managing of invasive species projects
• In the building a guesthouse would operate, plus a relaxing area for yoga classes, and a creative studio with various equipment (could be rented)
• Vegan food bar, later with a greater and greater variety of vegan delicacies

Also, as the institution works finely, with time we may build an additional place for helping to save the local turtle, the pond terrapin (Emys orbicularis) with an incubation program. Expert help is already available (and has been offered) from conservationists and animal welfare activists.

To create this wonderful place, all help or advice is accepted!

Photo sources

• relax: jen-p-FoG8lotg7AA-unsplash; Photo by Jen P. on Unsplash
• rainbow sunset: jeffrey-hamilton-C8mPzrY8rGw-unsplash; Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash
• sound bowl: magic-bowls-d-xbK1qfCVY-unsplash; Photo by Magic Bowls on Unsplash
• vegan pic: nadine-primeau-Juvw-a-RvvI-unsplash; Photo by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash
• interview, talking: neonbrand-h0rXrHzhFXU-unsplash; Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash
• creative: sam-mcghee-KieCLNzKoBo-unsplash; Photo by Sam McGhee on Unsplash
• turtle myth: PSM_V10_D562_The_hindoo_earth
• turtle bedding: https://www.beyond-bedding.com/infant-boys-designer-sea-turtle-ocean-baby-nursery-discount-crib-bedding-set-jojo-designs.html
• profit: alexander-mils-lCPhGxs7pww-unsplash; Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash
• team: austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash
• planet earth first; photo-boards-D0xQQsZovws-unsplash; Photo by Photo Boards on Unsplash