SHELL SHOCK!
WORKERS AMAZED TO DISCOVER TERRY THE TURTLE BASKING IN THE SUN ON CITY CANAL BANK
DUCKS and swans who call the Coventry canals their home were joined by an unusual creature, as a turtle was spotted basking beside the water.
Staff from the Jade Studio design agency at the Electric Wharf went on a lunchtime stroll on Monday, discovering the reptilian visitor to the city.
But sadly, the map turtle, which are native to North America, appears to have been abandoned, and Coventry canal isn’t an ideal habitat for the reptile.
Luckily, the turtle, named Terry by his rescuers, have provided shelter at the Jade Studio offices until the RSPCA could come and find him a new home.
When Emily Short and her colleagues went out for a walk Terry the turtle was probably the last thing they expected to see.
She said: “We went for a walk down the canal yesterday, and we just saw him basking in the sun.
“At first we didn’t think he was real, until he moved. He wasn’t in a good state, he was caked in mud, and he had some scales missing. He didn’t look too healthy. We didn’t know what to do, so we put him in a box and brought him into our office. It’s fair to say that he was shocked!”
The RSPCA were called, but couldn’t come to collect Terry until the following morning, so Terry was left to spend the night at the Jade Studio offices, a much more hospitable environment than the canals.
An RSPCA officer eventually arrived, and took Terry into their care. Luckily, despite the earlier worry, it appears the turtle is in good health.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We received a report that a turtle had been found in a tub of water near Coventry canal on Monday. The turtle, which has now been confirmed as a map turtle, was picked up by one of our animal collection officers and has been taken to a centre for specialist care.
“Sadly we know that many turtles have been dumped in or by public waterways when they become too large or difficult to care for.
“Anyone who may have information about who dumped this turtle should contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
Nicola White, the RSPCA’s exotics senior scientific officer, said: “Sadly many owners who buy exotic pets on impulse don’t find out how to care for the animals first and they are often handed over to buyers in pet shops with little or no information about how to care for them, or the commitment that is involved in keeping them healthy.
“When owners then realise how much space and care the animal requires they can lose interest, or feel overwhelmed and unable to care for them anymore. As a result reptiles are often abandoned, given up to animal rescue centres or even released into the countryside. Reptiles may look resilient and tough on the outside but they are actually completely reliant on their owners for heat, light, humidity, food and water – and can easily become poorly or suffer if these are not provided at the correct levels for the species.
“It is for this reason that we are urging potential owners to research and look into what is required in the care of their pet first before taking one on so they know what is involved and how long it is likely to be for.
“There are books full of information on how to care for all sorts of species and specialist vets are an excellent source of support and advice.”
Sadly, due to individual circumstances, none of the staff members at Jade Studio could give Terry a forever home, despite growing attached to the reptile.
Thankfully, the story looks to have had a happy ending, as the RSPCA were able to move Terry to the Proteus Reptile Trust in Sedgley in the West Midlands, where he will live with a large number of scaly friends until he can be permanently homed.
We didn’t think he was real until he moved. We didn’t know what to do so put him in a box and brought him to our office. Emily Short