It is unfortunate that rescues and sanctuaries are needed at all. I ask those people who care and give educational programs to tell listeners to enjoy the many unique and fascinating reptiles and amphibians they cross paths with, but don’t kill or remove them from the wild. What starts out as an innocent purchase or capture, too often turns into trouble at a later date.
We have very strict laws in Iowa, as well as the U.S., and other countries. I have included Iowa’s Laws on native terrestrial turtles under the Iowa DNR logo, as well as their direct home page link.
I am prepared to take in terrestrial turtles and tortoises that need a good home. At this time, I can accept Ornate Box Turtles (Iowa Threatened Species). Wood Turtles (Endangered Species) are also native to Iowa. I hope to get approval to work with Wood Turtles soon. I do have a few approved Ornate Box Turtles for educational programs and displays.
I have an Iowa Educational Projects Permit and Scientific Collecting Permit to possess approved species of reptiles and amphibians for educational usage. For decades, I have done volunteer and independent field research work for five Iowa County Conservation Commissions. One of my objectives has been to obtain a small breeding group of Western Box Turtles (T.o. oluteola). I will not be working with the rare and Federally-protected U.S. tortoises.
If Sanctuary owners have a surplus of a species, please contact me. The turtles and tortoises I accept will never be sold. I will honor all requests or restrictions that come with turtle and tortoise donations.
I am not interested in working with aquatic turtles, native or exotic. I do keep a few turtles for my educational programs, which are always free.