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?