Emergency in Mexico: Thousands of Turtles Rescued
In a heartbreaking discovery in Jalisco, Mexico, authorities uncovered more than 2,000 wild-caught turtles hidden among sea cucumbers, shark fins, and other contraband.
See footage of the confiscation on Facebook here.
These turtles represent seven species of mud turtles native to Mexico — including dozens of critically endangered Vallarta Mud Turtles (Kinosternon vogti), the most imperiled turtle species in the Western Hemisphere.
Tragically, hundreds have already perished. The rest need your help now.
“With fewer than 400 Vallarta Mud Turtles left in the wild, this rescue represents a crisis and a critical point for conservation. By quickly identifying and treating disease, we can give each surviving turtle the best chance to contribute to assurance colonies and, ultimately, repatriation efforts.”
— Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux, President & CEO, Turtle Survival Alliance
Time is of the essence. Immediate disease screenings are urgently needed.
All surviving turtles are now under the care of the Turtle Survival Alliance’s partner institution, the Guadalajara Zoo, where animal care specialists are working around the clock to sort, stabilize, and assess each individual after this traumatic ordeal.
A deadly pathogen called Ranavirus threatens to spread quickly through the confiscated turtles. Without prompt screening and quarantine, it could devastate these already fragile populations.
Your support will make the difference between recovery and further loss.
Your Gift Will Fund
• Pathogen screenings
• Triage and long-term veterinary care
• Holding racks and individual housing units
• Long-term rehabilitation and care
• Incorporating high-priority animals into protected assurance colonies
• Repatriation of healthy animals back into the wild
Every dollar helps provide urgent medical care, testing, and stabilization for these rescued turtles.
Header image: Male Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon vogti) rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking. Photo courtesy of Guadalajara Zoo.
Second image: More than 2,000 confiscated turtles representing seven species are receiving around-the-clock treatment at the Guadalajara Zoo. Photo courtesy of Guadalajara Zoo.