Class hopeful of turtle recall for visitor
Nelson Central School’s room 12a has a new and special addition since the weekend - a turtle.
The little creature wandered on to the property of an employee on the weekend, who in turn gave it to teacher Kate Stoneman to take care of.
Room 12a pupil Nate Morris, 5, said he loved having the turtle in the classroom and learning about the animal.
Stoneman said she wasn’t sure how the turtle ended up on the Brook property but she hoped the owner of the animal would come forward to collect it in the next few days.
‘‘I can’t imagine a turtle escaping, it can’t really move that fast.
‘‘But my concern is that someone has actually released it in the Brook somewhere and decided it no longer suits them, and rather than re-home it, released it, but that’s not good for our environment and it would probably die in winter.’’
Stoneman said she had made a lost and found poster and distributed it to the school children, their parents and also put a message up on Neighbourly and Facebook.
She said it was a red slider turtle but wasn’t sure of its gender.
Stoneman said the turtle was currently living in a makeshift environment in the classroom.
If no one showed up for the turtle within the next week, Stoneman said she would fashion a more permanent environment for it in the classroom with a proper big tank.
‘‘We’ve currently got a very large goldfish bowl and a heat lamp and turtle food.
‘‘But long term it would need a filter and probably a much bigger tank, ramps and pebbles, something to stimulate it.’’
Stoneman said she had asked around in the community if anyone had a big tank she could borrow, but had not had any luck so far.
She said turtles can live for 50 years, which would be a concern if she had to take responsibility for it.
‘‘It’s a big commitment to have a turtle.
‘‘And I’m a wee bit worried about it being lonely as well, because it’s just one turtle on its own.’’