Around 190 Eastern box turtles rescued after being abandoned in Union County are now receiving care at the Mercer County Wildlife Center in Hopewell Township, where staff and volunteers have transformed an entire building to house one of the largest reptile rehabilitation efforts in the center’s history.
The turtles were discovered July 29 after a Cranford resident spotted dozens of turtles abandoned along a riverbank. New Jersey Fish & Wildlife officers responded and transferred the animals to the Mercer County Wildlife Center on River Road in Titusville, one of only three wildlife rehabilitation facilities in New Jersey permitted to care for reptiles.
Since then, the number of turtles has continued to grow. Wildlife Center officials said Monday that 167 turtles are now in their care, with every animal undergoing a complete medical evaluation that includes weighing, triage, X-rays, photographs and veterinary assessments before being housed and fed. And on Thursday officials confirmed that they were now caring for 190 turtles.
“What began with panic as the numbers grew from 30 to 50 to 80 turtles admitted on the first day has become 158 turtles in our care today,” Rehabilitation Manager Nicole Golden wrote in a message thanking staff, volunteers and supporters earlier this week. “I am amazed at what has been accomplished in just 96 hours.”
Golden described the response as an all-hands effort involving New Jersey Fish & Wildlife officers and biologists, Cranford residents and firefighters, animal control officers, Mercer County Wildlife Center staff and volunteers, the Mercer County Park Commission, veterinary specialists and members of the public who donated supplies and funding.
“Our nonprofit partner, Wildlife Center Friends, made the funding possible and simply said, ‘Get what you need. We are here for you,'” Golden wrote.
According to Wildlife Center Director Jane Rakos-Yates, every turtle has been examined by a veterinarian and will remain at the center while the investigation continues. The ultimate goal is to return the turtles to the wild once authorities determine it is safe to do so.
The New Jersey Conserve Wildlife Foundation notes that Eastern box turtles typically spend their entire lives within a home range of about 250 yards. When removed from that territory, they may die attempting to return, making illegal collection and relocation particularly harmful to the species.
How to help
The Wildlife Center says the rescue has required significant resources, including specialized housing, UV lighting, food and medical care. Rather than dropping off produce, worms or aquariums, officials are asking supporters to make monetary donations or purchase requested supplies through the center’s nonprofit partner, Wildlife Center Friends.
Donations can be made through the Wildlife Center Friends at wildlifecenterfriends.org/donate.
Because the turtle abandonment remains an active investigation, wildlife officials say they are limited in what information they can release.
