New Jersey wildlife center turns entire building into refuge for 190 abandoned box turtles

A large turtle rescue in New Jersey found nearly 190 abandoned Eastern box turtles along a Union County riverbank.

To handle the surge, staff and volunteers at the Mercer County Wildlife Center in Hopewell converted an entire building into temporary housing for what has become one of the biggest reptile rehabilitation efforts in the center's history.

What happened?

According to Mercer Me, efforts began after a Cranford resident noticed dozens of turtles left along a riverbank. New Jersey Fish & Wildlife officers then transported the animals to the Mercer County Wildlife Center on River Road in Titusville, where staff started the intake and treatment process.

Cases like this put pressure on the center because it is one of only three wildlife rehabilitation facilities in New Jersey permitted to care for reptiles, the outlet reported.

Wildlife Center Director Jane Rakos-Yates told Mercer Me that every turtle has been seen by a veterinarian and will stay at the facility while the investigation continues. Each one is receiving a full medical workup, including triage, weight checks, X-rays, photographs, veterinary assessments, housing, and feeding.

Why does it matter?

Eastern box turtles are especially vulnerable when they are removed from the places they know best. These turtles typically spend their entire lives in a home area of about 250 yards.

When they are taken from that territory, they may try to return and die in the process. Illegal collection and relocation can be devastating not only for individual turtles, but also for the surrounding ecosystem, which depends on native species remaining in balance.

One resident noticing that something was wrong helped trigger a response that may save many animals.

Protecting species such as box turtles also helps preserve biodiversity, supporting healthier outdoor spaces shared by people and wildlife alike.

What's being done?

The response has quickly grown into a community effort. Rehabilitation manager Nicole Golden told Mercer Me the work has brought together state Fish & Wildlife officers and biologists, residents and firefighters from Cranford, local animal control officers, staffers and volunteers at the Mercer County Wildlife Center, the Mercer County Park Commission, veterinary specialists, and members of the public.

Caring for 190 turtles requires dedicated enclosures, UV lighting, food, and veterinary treatment, and those needs can become expensive quickly. The center has asked supporters not to bring random produce, worms, or aquariums, because the animals require very specific care.

Instead, those looking to help are being encouraged to donate money or buy requested supplies through Wildlife Center Friends, the center's nonprofit partner. 

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