Dozens of box turtles have found a safe home at our Zoo after being confiscated by wildlife law enforcement. Rescued from wildlife trafficking, these turtles are just a fraction of the native turtles seized by wildlife law enforcement this year.  

You may spot them in two special habitats in our Wild Florida loop. Some may remain in human care for the rest of their lives, while others may eventually be rehabilitated and returned to their native habitat. It depends on a number of factors, including their health. While we don’t know much about the conditions these turtles were found in, it’s also important to note that trafficking victims are often transported in inhumane conditions which can result in disease, injury and even death for victims. 

The impacts of wildlife trafficking are far-reaching, creating a conservation crisis ecosystems struggle to recover from as animals and plants are taken from their native environment.  

Our Zoo has stepped in to care for a number of animals affected by wildlife trafficking over the years, from Gulf Coast box turtles to infant black-handed spider monkeys. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Wildlife Confiscations Network, our Zoo is always ready to do our part to support wildlife law enforcement and victims of this illegal trade.  

There are a few ways you can protect animals from wildlife trafficking: 

• Stay informed: High global demand for exotic pets fuels the illegal and unsustainable trade of millions of animals, many of which will suffer and die in the process. Be an informed consumer and think twice before you purchase an exotic pet. Visit NotAPet.Net to learn more. 

• Report wildlife crime: If you suspect that someone is trafficking wildlife, contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Tips line at https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips or 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397- 8477). 

• Be an advocate: Consider supporting legislature aimed at preventing and fighting against wildlife trafficking.  

• The Wildlife Confiscations Network Act, currently introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives, would allow the Network to expand nationwide with the support of federal funding.  

• The Captive Primate Safety Act would prohibit the private possession, breeding, sale, and interstate or foreign commerce of nonhuman primates (such as chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs) as pets.