News and Stories

By Morgan Gonzales and Jillian Jaroszewicz

Every spring in Ohio, Eastern Box Turtles emerge from brumation to begin a new year of a long life (25-100 years) foraging for food and finding mates in our forests, fields, and wetlands. But for many turtles, their life as a critical part of our ecosystems is impacted by habitat loss, road mortality, wildlife trafficking, and illegal collection for the pet trade.

Now, a statewide collaboration is working to change that.

As a supporter and member of the Turtle Survival Alliance, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is partnering with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, and organizations across Ohio to research and document best practices for returning confiscated and surrendered box turtles to the wild. Together, the group is helping turtles get a second chance in healthy habitats where they belong.

One of those places is Bowyer Farm, the Zoo’s 600+ acre agriculture and conservation property in Warren County. Restored wetlands and natural habitat there should provide an ideal environment for some of the Eastern Box Turtles that have been in human care since being recovered to be released. Earlier this week, several of these turtles were placed in temporary enclosures at the Farm to become acclimated to that landscape. Throughout the spring and summer, conservation teams will monitor how the turtles adapt and survive in their new home before ultimately removing the pen walls and letting them roam free. The project will help researchers better understand what successful releases look like and how future repatriation efforts can be improved across the region.

Some turtles in the project came from wildlife confiscation cases or were surrendered after being taken from the wild as pets. Others were rescued during habitat disruptions, including turtles relocated from a school property scheduled for demolition. Before release, every turtle receives health evaluations and a small tracking device so that we can monitor movement and continue health assessments as they reorient to a new location. The Zoo is very proud and excited to be part of this collaborative effort to ensure this beloved species and each individual has the best possible chance to thrive back in the wild.

Because turtles mature slowly and can live for decades, losing even a few adults from the wild can have lasting impacts on local populations. You can help turtles by leaving wild turtles in the wild, creating wildlife-friendly spaces in your landscape, and staying alert for turtles crossing roads during warmer months.

Supporting policies that address illegal wildlife trade and wildlife confiscation efforts also plays an important role in protecting native species. And perhaps most importantly: get outside. Hike local trails. Explore wetlands and woodlands. If you’re lucky enough to spot a box turtle tucked beneath leaves or slowly crossing a forest path, appreciate the moment of awe, then let it continue its journey undisturbed.

Sometimes conservation looks dramatic. Sometimes it moves at a turtle’s pace. But every careful release, every restored habitat, and every person who chooses to protect wildlife instead of possessing it helps create a wilder future for Ohio’s turtles.