The Bronx Zoo rescues 800 endangered turtles from 'unprecedented surge in trafficking'

The Bronx Zoo rescues 800 endangered turtles from 'unprecedented surge in trafficking'

In just two years, the Bronx Zoo has helped rehabilitate hundreds of turtles that are believed to have been collected from the wild for the illegal pet trade.

Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo Has Helped Rescue and Rehabilitate More Than 800 North American Box Turtles Since October 2024

[Above photo: Wildlife Confiscation Society's Dr. Robert Moore and WCS Hospital Assistant Victoria Stephenson triage a confiscated turtle brought to the WCS Bronx Zoo by federal officials on July 20, 2026. Credit: Terria Clay @Wildlife Conservation Society]