Did you know, ornate box turtles (our state reptile) are the most commonly raced turtles? A recent field survey of ornate box turtles by 7 zoos in Kansas found ALARMING population losses throughout the state. These turtles, when raced, are often starved, dehydrated, and kept in unsurvivable temperatures. Not to mention, mixing turtles together promotes disease spreading; all it takes is just one sick turtle to make them all sick, and IF they are returned to nature, that sickness spreads further. Despite illness, if ornate box turtles are not returned to their exact home range, they struggle to find water, food, and shelter and die.
STOP ALL TURTLE RACING!
Our state reptile deserves better protection. Turtles are NOT toys!
