I'm Turtley Tweeting

Shello!! I've been hiding from the internet for a while, but I'm back! Follow me on Twitter for the latest updates.

Donations Needed to Track Turtles

In order to know how to best help green sea turtles evade extinction, we need to know where they go and what they do.  In order to learn that, we need to attach satellite transmitters to rescued, rehabilitated, and released turtles.  Unfortunately, each one costs $4,000 on top of the already expensive price tag on nursing them back to health and more concerned donors will need to open their pocketbooks if we are going to be able to afford the knowledge we need.  Please help if you can!

Baby Sea Turtle Secret Hideout Located

Baby sea turtles take their walkabout for the first seven to twelve years of their life, remaining separate from the adult population.  It was previously a mystery where they disappeared to during this time, but one scientist has solved the puzzle - they are just trying to stay warm and grow stronger faster.

Video of Tortoises and Turtles Gone Wild

This isn't the most informative video Pokey and I have shared about turtles, but the commentary did make us laugh.  We hope it brightens your day!

Turtle Canyon Exhibit Opens Soon at Newport Aquarium

Have you heard?  An awesome new turtle exhibit is about to open at the Newport Aquarium in Kentucky.  They will feature 14 species of turtles and tortoises, including some of the largest and smallest in existence, with native habitats that span the globe.  I told Pokey it seems a bit strange for a Californian to vacation in Kentucky, but she thinks I should go check it out and make sure her brothers and sisters are happy... and maybe get a few ideas for how I might transform her indoor cage into something more authentic while I'm there. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle LEGOs

So... you may have heard that there's a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie coming out later this year, but did you know that LEGO will be releasing some new sets in its honor?  We just heard. 

Sea Turtle Conservation vs. National Marine Fisheries Service

Four sea turtle conservation groups recently announced their intention to file a lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service for inadequately protecting sea turtles from the dangers of shrimp trawling.  They feel the NMFS has violated the Endangered Species Act and have given them far longer than the appropriate amount of time to respond to less powerful objections to their complacency.

Smuggler's Wages

Have you ever wondered how much a turtle smuggler can earn?  Pokey and I have and we finally found a figure.  We are certain the price varies, but two men in Taiwan were recently caught with 5 tiger cubs, 312 water monitors, 174 turtles, and 11 softshell turtles that were on their way to China.  Their job was to transport the loot from Ayutthaya to Bung Kan and their income was 20,000 baht (just over $600), less than $1 per smuggled soul for each smuggler.  We wish there was a Starbucks they could work at instead. 

Etsy Item of the Week: TMNT Poster

Young or old, if you are a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this is is a stylish way to show your pride!  Visit tkbdesigns on Etsy today to get yours.

Three Years Probation for Turtle Distribution?

The sale of turtles with shells measuring less than four inches has been illegal since 1975, but what happens if you break that law and get caught?  Not much.  One Florida man was recently prosecuted for doing just that and impersonating a federal agent (in a threatening letter he sent one of his competitors), yet he got off with three years probation.  There's no mention of any fines.  Do they really think his attorney's bill and further inconveniences are enough of a punishment?

Cobra II Saves Pig Nose Turtles

What is Cobra II?  The code name for a world wide sting operation which rescued more than 2,000 pig nosed turtles from a premature death last month as smugglers tried to get them from Indonesia to China.

Where are the turtles now?  They were just released back into the wild!  Hooray!!

lobal wildlife enforcement sting operation code-named - See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/thousands-of-stolen-turtles-returned-to-wild-44652.php#sthash.mjXjEPst.dpuf

Turtley Awesome Etsy Store: Mossy Tortoise

Stegosaurus Turtle Cozy by Mossy Tortoise

Where can you buy your turtle or tortoise something cute to wear to help them stand out in the wild or the pattern to crochet them something cozy yourself?  From Katie Bradley of Mossy Tortoise on Etsy.  I swore I was going to make Pokey one of these, but haven't... yet.  (I'm currently using the excuse that I can't decide what type of flower to adorn her with.)  However, if you buy one from Katie, 10% of your purchase will benefit the International Reptile Rescue in Canby Oregon and the rest towards the tortoises she rescues and rehabilitates.  Pokey thinks that's a win-win purchase every turtle lover should indulge in.

Volunteers Needed to Clean Up Turtle Habitat

If you have some free time between between now and mid March which you would like to use to help turtles, consider volunteering at Biscayne National Park in southern Florida. For the low, low cost of a day cleaning beaches, you get a sunny boat ride to the islands and the satisfaction of knowing you helped restore threatened turtle nesting grounds.

Are There Any Animals Who Don't Enjoy Tortoise Hitchhiking?

As if their shells aren't enough weight to keep them in shape, animals of all types and sizes love to hitch a ride whenever possible.  Check out this compilation of reptile hitchhikers to get a taste of their plight.

Rock the Ocean's Tortuga Music Festival

Are you looking for a turtley awesome way to contribute to marine conservation while having a good time?  Make plans to attend Rock the Ocean's Tortuga Music Festival in Ft. Lauderdale, April 12th and 13th.  Hank Williams Jr., Train, Sheryl Crow and many other artists will be there to reward you for choosing philanthropic entertainment.

Legally Harvesting Marine Turtles

Despite the fact they are on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species, 42 countries around the world continue to allow the harvest of marine turtles.  It is currently estimated that over 40,000 turtles are legally taken from the ocean every year.  While Pokey and I are sympathetic to these countries' right to preserve a historic cultural practice, we wonder if they realize that over consumption is just as capable of ending their tradition.

Where to See Sea Turtles in Florida

If you're trying to figure out where you can see sea turtles in their natural habitats in Florida, you need to visit this site.  They list all the captive turtle facilities and public turtle watches in the state!  Pokey and I think it's a turtley awesome resource.

You Don't Have to Be an Artist to Draw This Turtle

Before you say you can't draw a turtle, try the Muffalo Potato way!  They draw everything using familiar shapes you've 'drawn' many, many times before - numbers and letters.

Save Turtles Sand Sculpture

If you're an artist capable of making beautiful sand sculptures who comes across a dead sea turtle while walking down the beach, what can you do to counteract the sorrow it might procure?  Create a hauntingly beautiful image with a proactive message of course!  At least, that is what Indian sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik did... 

A Turtley Fairytale Ending

Pokey's version of a fairytale is any story which involves the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of a turtle.  Here's one straight from Australia.