83 Turtles Rescued from Illegal Trade | Lawrence News

Eighty-three ornate box turtles—Kansas’s state reptile—are now safely housed at the Rolling Hills Zoo after being rescued from an illegal trafficking ring. Seized last August, the turtles were initially thought to be headed overseas for the exotic pet trade, but more arrived over the next few months. Zoo staff are providing intensive veterinary care, monitoring health and nutrition, and rehabilitating them in a spacious native grass habitat. Sadly, some didn’t survive the winter’s stress. This rescue is part of a national effort through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Confiscations Network, with hopes of eventually releasing healthy turtles back into the wild after genetic and disease testing. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/df2009209e038a55