Besides the great number of unwanted common iguanas we house, CoRHS sees a growing number of Red Eared Sliders (RES).

In 2004, our daily population of RES is around 50 turtles!

Why are RES surrendered so often? Why do they stay in the rescue so long?

Let me introduce you to Femo, a hatchling RES born sometime in the fall of 2000.

Pet stores in the US cannot LEGALLY sell you a turtle or tortoise under 4". Femo was sold "for educational purposes," a stipulation allowed and used in the pet trade to sell extremely small turtles and tortoise hatchlings.

Red eared sliders are semi-aquatic turtles who swim, bask, and can be quite friendly.

Femo is cute--but look at how large Femo will grow!

Red eared sliders, properly kept, can easily live 40 years. Some individuals have lived for more than 100 years.

They grow quickly, sending their owners back for even larger aquariums, expensive filter systems, UVB lighting, and other equipment needs.

In short, if you are thinking of a RES for your child, think again! Turtles need responsible ADULTS able to make serious, LONG-TERM COMMITMENTS.

CoRHS knows a great many turtle people committed to providing excellent husbandry to their pets.

CoRHS would be happy to help YOU become such a care giver. You can help reduce the unwanted population of RES and other reptile species: Research the pet you'd like, adopt your pet from a rescue, and make a commitment to the pet's life!

Please check out our adoptable turtles!