Just Found a Baby Gopher Tortoise

Lindaloo · #21 Postby **Lindaloo** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 3:55 pm

Thanks Mary.

GrimReaper · #22 Postby **GrimReaper** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 6:21 pm

My previous farm was a haven for the gophers....they were everywhere!!! This is really a bad challenge on a horse farm, as they dig deep holes, which are obviously dangerous to the horses. Anyway, if he wasn't so young, I would definitely just find a nice wooded, slightly sandy area and let him go. But he might be too young for that, and get eaten by something bigger!! If you don't get any results from the "turtle people", try contacting "BEAKS" up in JAX, they specialize in rehabbing birds....but I'm sure would gladly help you find the proper place for your tortoise!!! Another idea would be the Alligator Farm, down here in St. Augustine.... I bet they would have space for your little guy!! Good Luck finding him a new and safe home!!!!!
-Grim

HurricaneGirl · #23 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 6:59 pm

Thanks GrimReaper! My husband was suggesting BEAKS too. I'm going to call them tomorrow.

We took him outside today and let him run around the back yard for a little while after the rain. He's a fast little thing!

GrimReaper · #24 Postby **GrimReaper** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:08 pm

Remember....if BEAKS can't help. I'm sure the Alligator Farm, down here, would. Let me know if you bring him to St. Augustine...I'd love to meet both of you!!!
From one animal lover to the other.......Have a great night!!!

HurricaneGirl · #25 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 6:32 am

I just sent an E-mail to the Reptile Director at the Alligator Farm! That looks like the place to be for him.... As long as they don't put him in the same place as Maximo!! :eek:

Thanks GrimReaper for the suggestion and yes, I'll PM you if we bring him there, I would love to meet you. My Father-In-Law and his wife live in St. Augustine.also, so we visit there alot

HurricaneGirl · #26 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 7:11 am

This is the reply I just received from The Alligator Farm:

"The Gopher tortoise is a protected species. It would be illegal for us to accept him".

Lindaloo · #27 Postby **Lindaloo** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 7:50 am

Now it is time to contact the council. They focus mainly on this type of tortoise.

Mary, PM me the number to the game warden down in Florida please.

HurricaneGirl · #28 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:03 am

I e-mailed that guy back from the Alligator Farm and told him:

Funny how the State of Florida doesn't want to protect him.

This is what he sent back:

That's not entirely true. Certain organizations within the state try their best to protect the Gopher tortoise along with many other endangered species. Who you should be criticizing is the local governments that promote growth and habit destruction in the name of progress, as well as the companies that will knowingly destroy the habitat of endangered species for profit. The same companies that fight any environmental laws that may lower profits, or slow construction. You can not hold Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responsible when the company You work for is playing a roll in developing the land and displacing the animals. As good as it may make you feel, placing one baby tortoise in a captive environment is not doing anything for the species. Relocation is an expensive and often unsuccessful option. If you want to make a difference, play a roll in slowing the destruction of Florida. If you want more information of what FFWCC is doing to protect Florida's wildlife you can visit their web site at http://floridaconservation.org/

HurricaneGirl · #29 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:12 am

Just received this from the Jacksonville Zoo:

I have forwarded your e-mail to our Director of Biological Programs for a proper response to your request. I am sure he will be addressing it soon. Thank you for your concern!

Regards,

Camelia Castro
Executive Assistant
Jacksonville Zoological Gardens
8605 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville FL 32218
Phone: 904-757-4463 extension 110
Fax: 904-757-2444

HurricaneGirl · #30 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:26 am

The Jacksonville Zoo is going to take him!! A lady just called me to set up an appointment to bring him in!!

#31 Postby **Stephanie** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:34 am

Alligator Farm's e-mail could've been describing what's happening in NJ.

I'm so happy that the zoo will take him!!! GREAT JOB!!!

HurricaneGirl · #32 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:56 am

Thanks Stephanie! What a relief! Mike is going to let me leave early because I have to get him to the Zoo by 4:00 pm. I didn't want that poor little thing to spend another night in that box.

isobar · #33 Postby **isobar** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:43 am

Way to go, Mary! Maybe you'll be able to visit him occasionally. How did he like the spinach and strawberries?

HurricaneGirl · #34 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:43 am

Thanks Donna!! Yes, I thought that would be good too, but they are not going to keep him at the Zoo in captivity. The lady on the phone told me they are going to take him and relocate him to a safe environment.

I guess it's illegal for the Zoo to keep them from the wild because of them being a protected species and possibility of disease transmission. I'll find out more when I take him this afternoon.

He did eat some of the spinach because there will little pieces gone where he chewed on them.... It didn't appear that he ate the strawberry pieces.

HurricaneGirl · #35 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:23 pm

Well, I'm off the Zoo to take them my baby turtle!

isobar · #36 Postby **isobar** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:19 pm

He's very lucky you found him, or he found you!

Goodbye baby "HurricaneTurtle". Have a good life!

GalvestonDuck · #37 Postby **GalvestonDuck** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:21 pm

Awwwww! Good luck, little guy.

#38 Postby **Stephanie** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:25 pm

Bye, bye little one!!!

HurricaneGirl · #39 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 3:28 pm

isobar wrote:He's very lucky you found him, or he found you!

Goodbye baby "HurricaneTurtle". Have a good life!

Thanks Donna I needed to see that and laugh!! :lol:

It was tough giving him up, but he'll be much better off now!

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions, advice and support!!

HurricaneGirl · #40 Postby **HurricaneGirl** » Thu Jul 15, 2004 7:15 am

http://community.webshots.com/user/hurricanegirl

Check out the last picture in my Baby Turtle Album!

Just Found a Baby Gopher Tortoise

An idea for your tortoise....

HurricaneGirl becomes "Turtle Mama"

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