Turtle Trauma Response Program
About the Program
The turtle trauma response program was created to help injured turtles in Kingston and the surrounding area. Through this program, the public are encouraged to bring injured and dead turtles they find to one of the temporary holding stations within Kingston.
Giving 10 minutes of your time to transport a turtle could save its life!
Saving adult turtles is key to the survival of Ontario turtle species, since it is estimated to take upwards of 59 years for a single adult snapping turtle to replace itself!
What you must know to help a turtle!
When helping any turtle you MUST record the exact location where you found it (cross roads, nearest water body, house address, etc) otherwise the turtle cannot be rehabilitated and must be EUTHANIZED (required by law).
This midland painted turtle was rehabilitated by Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre. You can see where the turtle’s injuries have healed on their neck and carapace (shell)
What happens after you drop off a turtle?
When a turtle is brought into one of the temporary holding stations, it is placed in a plastic bin lined with a soft padding. The temporary holding station then contacts Turtles Kingston to request a volunteer transport driver, who then transports the turtle to Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre in Napanee for trauma treatment or egg extraction and euthanasia if necessary.
Turtles that Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre are not able to treat are transferred to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre in Peterborough.
Want to be a volunteer driver? Sign up below.