• Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
      • Board of Directors
      • Staff
      • Committees
        • Accreditation Commission
        • Advancement Committee
        • Animal Health Committee
        • Animal Population Management Committee
        • Animal Welfare Committee
        • Annual Conference Program Committee
        • Aquarium Affairs Committee
        • Aquatic Collections Sustainability Committee
        • Business Operations Committee
        • Conservation Education Committee
        • Diversity Committee
        • Ethics Board
        • Government Affairs Committee
        • Honors and Awards Committee
        • Human Resources Committee
        • Marketing Committee
        • Membership Committee
        • Nominating Committee
        • Professional Development Committee
        • Public Relations Committee
        • Research and Technology Committee
        • Safety Committee
        • Trends Committee
        • Volunteer Management Committee
        • Wildlife Conservation Committee
      • Scientific Advisory Groups
        • Ambassador Animal Scientific Advisory Group
        • Avian Scientific Advisory Group
        • Behavior Scientific Advisory Group
        • Biobanking Scientific Advisory Group
        • Green Scientific Advisory Group
        • Institutional Data Management Scientific Advisory Group
        • Molecular Data for Population Management Scientific Advisory Group
        • Nutrition Scientific Advisory Group
        • Reproduction and Endocrinology Scientific Advisory Group
        • Small Population Management Advisory Group
        • Social Science Research and Evaluation Scientific Advisory Group
        • Veterinary Scientific Advisory Group
    • Strategic Plan
    • Bylaws and Policies
      • Board-Approved Policies and Position Statements
      • Bylaws
      • Code of Conduct
      • Code of Professional Ethics
    • Press Room
      • AZA News Releases
      • Zoo & Aquarium News
    • Partners
      • Commercial Member Engagement Council
      • Corporate Partners
      • Visitor Demographics
      • Conservation Agreements
        • Polar Bears International
        • Arctic Ambassador Centers
    • Contact Us
  • Accreditation
    • About AZA Accreditation
      • Accreditation Basics
      • Benefits of Accreditation
      • FAQs
      • Accreditation vs. Certification
    • How to Apply
      • Pathway Toward Membership Program
    • Download Accreditation Materials
    • Institution Status
      • Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums
      • Currently Certified Related Facilities
    • Quarter Century Award
    • Upcoming Reviews
    • Accreditation Commission
    • Inspectors
      • FAQ for Inspectors
      • Inspectors of the Year
    • Accreditation Resource Center
      • Guidelines & Sample Documents, Programs, and Policies
    • Report a Concern
  • Animal Management
    • About Animal Programs
      • Taxon Advisory Groups
        • List of Taxon Advisory Groups
      • Species Survival Plan Programs
        • SSP Population Sustainability
      • Studbooks
      • Global Species Management Plans
      • Animal Program Roles
        • Education Advisors
      • Animal Management Centers
        • Population Management Center
        • Reproductive Management Center
    • Animal Programs Resources
      • Animal Programs Database
      • Animal Program Handbooks
      • Animal Program Applications
      • Resource Documents
      • SSP Reimagination Resources
      • Contact Information
      • Animal Program Sustainability Designations
      • Animal Programs Monthly Update
      • Program Leader Vacancies
      • Animal Program Deadlines
      • Online Training Modules
      • Dedicated Funds
    • Animal Care Manuals
    • Ambassador Animal Guidelines
  • Conservation
    • SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction
      • SAFE Species
      • Propose a SAFE Species
      • SAFE Program Resources
      • SAFE Contributors
    • Wildlife Trafficking Alliance
    • Other Initiatives
      • Annual Report on Conservation and Science
        • Resources for the ARCS Surveys
      • Reduce the Risk
      • Climate Change and Wildlife
        • Communicating Climate Change
        • Climate Change Resources
      • Citizen Science
      • Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project
      • FrogWatch USA
        • FrogWatch USA Volunteers
        • FrogWatch USA Chapter Coordinators
        • FrogWatch USA Chapter List
        • Social Media and Newsletters
      • Black-footed Ferret Recovery and Reintroduction Program Analysis
      • Party for the Planet
    • Conservation Funding
      • SAFE Granting Program
        • SAFE Granting Program Review and Selection
        • SAFE Grant Awards
      • Conservation Grants Fund
        • Information for CGF Applicants
        • CGF Awards
      • Endangered Species COVID-19 Relief
      • Other Conservation Funding Sources
    • Field Conservation
      • Reintroduction Programs
      • Amphibian Conservation
      • Elephant Conservation
      • Marine Mammal Conservation
      • Ocean Conservation
      • Pollinator Conservation
      • Tiger Conservation
    • Green Practices
      • Resources for Greening Business Practices
        • Green Practices: Energy
        • Green Practices: Materials and Products
        • Green Practices: Water
        • Green Practices: Third-Party Certifications
        • Green Practices: Bird-Safe Buildings
        • Green Practices: Waste
        • Green Practices: Pocket Guides
    • Research and Science
      • Methods for Animal Behavior Research DVD
    • Conservation Education
      • Advocating for Education
      • Nature Play Begins at Your Zoo & Aquarium
  • Equity & Inclusion
    • Diversity Network Group
  • AZA Services
    • Join
      • Individual Membership
      • Organization Membership
      • Conservation Partner
      • Society Partner
      • Commercial Membership
      • Student Membership
      • Advocate Membership
      • FAQs About Joining AZA
    • Conferences
      • Annual Conference
      • Mid-Year Meeting
      • Conference Proceedings
        • 2020 Directors' Policy Conference
        • 2020 Annual Conference Posters
        • 2020 Annual Conference
        • 2019 Annual Conference
        • 2019 Annual Conference Posters
      • Pizzazz
    • Government Affairs
      • Advocacy Webinar Series
      • Advocacy Day
      • Big Cat Public Safety Act
      • Federal Agencies and Public Comments
      • Legislative Education Center
    • Professional Development
      • Webinars
      • Courses
        • AZA Professional Development Course Policies
        • Scholarships
        • Behavioral Husbandry Best Practices for Your Animal Welfare Program
        • Animal Training Applications in Zoo and Aquarium Settings
        • Animal Welfare: Evidence-Based Management
        • Avian Management, Biology and Conservation
        • Conservation Education: Creating Effective Learning Experiences
        • Creating Successful Exhibits
        • Crocodilian Biology and Professional Management
        • Environmental Enrichment in Zoos and Aquariums
        • Institutional Records Keeping
        • Managing Animal Enrichment and Training Programs
        • Managing for Success: Career Development
        • Managing for Success: Organizational Development
        • Population Management I: Data Management and Processing
        • Population Management II: Data Analysis and Breeding Recs
        • Principles of Elephant Management I
        • Principles of Elephant Management II
        • Principles of Ambassador Animal Management
      • Executive Leadership Development Program
        • Applying for ELDP
        • ELDP FAQs
    • Honors & Awards
      • SSP Sustainability Award
        • Sustainability Award Winners
      • Angela Peterson Excellence in Diversity Award
        • Diversity Award Winners
      • Education Award
        • Education Award Winners
      • Edward H. Bean Award
        • Bean Award Winners
      • Excellence in Marketing Award
        • Marketing Award Winners
      • Exhibit Award
        • Exhibit Award Winners
      • Facility Award
        • Facility Award Winners
      • The Green Award
        • Green Award Winners
      • Volunteer Engagement Award
        • Volunteer Engagement Award Winners
      • Research Award
        • Research Award Winners
      • North American Conservation Award
        • North American Conservation Award Winners
      • William G. Conway International Conservation Award
        • William G. Conway International Conservation Award Winners
      • R. Marlin Perkins Award for Professional Excellence
      • Animal Welfare Lifetime Achievement Award
      • Tim O'Sullivan Award for Professional Development
      • The Devra Kleiman Scientific Advancement Award
      • Wendy Fisher Award for Professional Excellence
      • Honorary Membership Award
    • Safety & Preparedness
      • Zoo and Aquarium Safety: Example Practices
      • Zoo and Aquarium All Hazards Partnership
      • Antivenom Index
    • Member Resources & Benefits
      • COVID-19 Resources
      • Data, Surveys, & Trends
        • Directors Demographic Survey
        • Economic Impact Reports
        • Benchmark Reports
        • Earned Revenue Data
        • Species Survival Statistics
        • Trends in Visitor Diversity
        • Visitor and Public Research
        • Volunteer Program Survey
        • Zoo and Aquarium Statistics
      • Why AZA Matters
      • AZA Member Discounted Admissions
      • AZA Member Logos
        • AZA Logo Usage Policy
      • AZA Commercial Member Logo
  • Connect
    • Connect Stories
    • Contribute to Connect
    • Connect Photo Contest Winners
    • Connect Photo Contest
    • Advertise
    • Connect Archives
  • Jobs
  • Find a Zoo or Aquarium
  • Calendar
  • Donate
  • Login
    Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Enter your search query in the field below. Click the X to close.
AZA logo
  • Jobs
  • Find a Zoo or Aquarium
  • Calendar
  • Donate
Join Login Calendar Search the site
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
      • Board of Directors
      • Staff
      • Committees
        • Accreditation Commission
        • Advancement Committee
        • Animal Health Committee
        • Animal Population Management Committee
        • Animal Welfare Committee
        • Annual Conference Program Committee
        • Aquarium Affairs Committee
        • Aquatic Collections Sustainability Committee
        • Business Operations Committee
        • Conservation Education Committee
        • Diversity Committee
        • Ethics Board
        • Government Affairs Committee
        • Honors and Awards Committee
        • Human Resources Committee
        • Marketing Committee
        • Membership Committee
        • Nominating Committee
        • Professional Development Committee
        • Public Relations Committee
        • Research and Technology Committee
        • Safety Committee
        • Trends Committee
        • Volunteer Management Committee
        • Wildlife Conservation Committee
      • Scientific Advisory Groups
        • Ambassador Animal Scientific Advisory Group
        • Avian Scientific Advisory Group
        • Behavior Scientific Advisory Group
        • Biobanking Scientific Advisory Group
        • Green Scientific Advisory Group
        • Institutional Data Management Scientific Advisory Group
        • Molecular Data for Population Management Scientific Advisory Group
        • Nutrition Scientific Advisory Group
        • Reproduction and Endocrinology Scientific Advisory Group
        • Small Population Management Advisory Group
        • Social Science Research and Evaluation Scientific Advisory Group
        • Veterinary Scientific Advisory Group
    • Strategic Plan
    • Bylaws and Policies
      • Board-Approved Policies and Position Statements
      • Bylaws
      • Code of Conduct
      • Code of Professional Ethics
    • Press Room
      • AZA News Releases
      • Zoo & Aquarium News
    • Partners
      • Commercial Member Engagement Council
      • Corporate Partners
      • Visitor Demographics
      • Conservation Agreements
        • Polar Bears International
        • Arctic Ambassador Centers
    • Contact Us
  • Accreditation
    • About AZA Accreditation
      • Accreditation Basics
      • Benefits of Accreditation
      • FAQs
      • Accreditation vs. Certification
    • How to Apply
      • Pathway Toward Membership Program
    • Download Accreditation Materials
    • Institution Status
      • Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums
      • Currently Certified Related Facilities
    • Quarter Century Award
    • Upcoming Reviews
    • Accreditation Commission
    • Inspectors
      • FAQ for Inspectors
      • Inspectors of the Year
    • Accreditation Resource Center
      • Guidelines & Sample Documents, Programs, and Policies
    • Report a Concern
  • Animal Management
    • About Animal Programs
      • Taxon Advisory Groups
        • List of Taxon Advisory Groups
      • Species Survival Plan Programs
        • SSP Population Sustainability
      • Studbooks
      • Global Species Management Plans
      • Animal Program Roles
        • Education Advisors
      • Animal Management Centers
        • Population Management Center
        • Reproductive Management Center
    • Animal Programs Resources
      • Animal Programs Database
      • Animal Program Handbooks
      • Animal Program Applications
      • Resource Documents
      • SSP Reimagination Resources
      • Contact Information
      • Animal Program Sustainability Designations
      • Animal Programs Monthly Update
      • Program Leader Vacancies
      • Animal Program Deadlines
      • Online Training Modules
      • Dedicated Funds
    • Animal Care Manuals
    • Ambassador Animal Guidelines
  • Conservation
    • SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction
      • SAFE Species
      • Propose a SAFE Species
      • SAFE Program Resources
      • SAFE Contributors
    • Wildlife Trafficking Alliance
    • Other Initiatives
      • Annual Report on Conservation and Science
        • Resources for the ARCS Surveys
      • Reduce the Risk
      • Climate Change and Wildlife
        • Communicating Climate Change
        • Climate Change Resources
      • Citizen Science
      • Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project
      • FrogWatch USA
        • FrogWatch USA Volunteers
        • FrogWatch USA Chapter Coordinators
        • FrogWatch USA Chapter List
        • Social Media and Newsletters
      • Black-footed Ferret Recovery and Reintroduction Program Analysis
      • Party for the Planet
    • Conservation Funding
      • SAFE Granting Program
        • SAFE Granting Program Review and Selection
        • SAFE Grant Awards
      • Conservation Grants Fund
        • Information for CGF Applicants
        • CGF Awards
      • Endangered Species COVID-19 Relief
      • Other Conservation Funding Sources
    • Field Conservation
      • Reintroduction Programs
      • Amphibian Conservation
      • Elephant Conservation
      • Marine Mammal Conservation
      • Ocean Conservation
      • Pollinator Conservation
      • Tiger Conservation
    • Green Practices
      • Resources for Greening Business Practices
        • Green Practices: Energy
        • Green Practices: Materials and Products
        • Green Practices: Water
        • Green Practices: Third-Party Certifications
        • Green Practices: Bird-Safe Buildings
        • Green Practices: Waste
        • Green Practices: Pocket Guides
    • Research and Science
      • Methods for Animal Behavior Research DVD
    • Conservation Education
      • Advocating for Education
      • Nature Play Begins at Your Zoo & Aquarium
  • Equity & Inclusion
    • Diversity Network Group
  • AZA Services
    • Join
      • Individual Membership
      • Organization Membership
      • Conservation Partner
      • Society Partner
      • Commercial Membership
      • Student Membership
      • Advocate Membership
      • FAQs About Joining AZA
    • Conferences
      • Annual Conference
      • Mid-Year Meeting
      • Conference Proceedings
        • 2020 Directors' Policy Conference
        • 2020 Annual Conference Posters
        • 2020 Annual Conference
        • 2019 Annual Conference
        • 2019 Annual Conference Posters
      • Pizzazz
    • Government Affairs
      • Advocacy Webinar Series
      • Advocacy Day
      • Big Cat Public Safety Act
      • Federal Agencies and Public Comments
      • Legislative Education Center
    • Professional Development
      • Webinars
      • Courses
        • AZA Professional Development Course Policies
        • Scholarships
        • Behavioral Husbandry Best Practices for Your Animal Welfare Program
        • Animal Training Applications in Zoo and Aquarium Settings
        • Animal Welfare: Evidence-Based Management
        • Avian Management, Biology and Conservation
        • Conservation Education: Creating Effective Learning Experiences
        • Creating Successful Exhibits
        • Crocodilian Biology and Professional Management
        • Environmental Enrichment in Zoos and Aquariums
        • Institutional Records Keeping
        • Managing Animal Enrichment and Training Programs
        • Managing for Success: Career Development
        • Managing for Success: Organizational Development
        • Population Management I: Data Management and Processing
        • Population Management II: Data Analysis and Breeding Recs
        • Principles of Elephant Management I
        • Principles of Elephant Management II
        • Principles of Ambassador Animal Management
      • Executive Leadership Development Program
        • Applying for ELDP
        • ELDP FAQs
    • Honors & Awards
      • SSP Sustainability Award
        • Sustainability Award Winners
      • Angela Peterson Excellence in Diversity Award
        • Diversity Award Winners
      • Education Award
        • Education Award Winners
      • Edward H. Bean Award
        • Bean Award Winners
      • Excellence in Marketing Award
        • Marketing Award Winners
      • Exhibit Award
        • Exhibit Award Winners
      • Facility Award
        • Facility Award Winners
      • The Green Award
        • Green Award Winners
      • Volunteer Engagement Award
        • Volunteer Engagement Award Winners
      • Research Award
        • Research Award Winners
      • North American Conservation Award
        • North American Conservation Award Winners
      • William G. Conway International Conservation Award
        • William G. Conway International Conservation Award Winners
      • R. Marlin Perkins Award for Professional Excellence
      • Animal Welfare Lifetime Achievement Award
      • Tim O'Sullivan Award for Professional Development
      • The Devra Kleiman Scientific Advancement Award
      • Wendy Fisher Award for Professional Excellence
      • Honorary Membership Award
    • Safety & Preparedness
      • Zoo and Aquarium Safety: Example Practices
      • Zoo and Aquarium All Hazards Partnership
      • Antivenom Index
    • Member Resources & Benefits
      • COVID-19 Resources
      • Data, Surveys, & Trends
        • Directors Demographic Survey
        • Economic Impact Reports
        • Benchmark Reports
        • Earned Revenue Data
        • Species Survival Statistics
        • Trends in Visitor Diversity
        • Visitor and Public Research
        • Volunteer Program Survey
        • Zoo and Aquarium Statistics
      • Why AZA Matters
      • AZA Member Discounted Admissions
      • AZA Member Logos
        • AZA Logo Usage Policy
      • AZA Commercial Member Logo
  • Connect
    • Connect Stories
    • Contribute to Connect
    • Connect Photo Contest Winners
    • Connect Photo Contest
    • Advertise
    • Connect Archives
Connect logo
1 2 3
Connect logo
news

Memphis Zoo Rescues Rare Turtles

By Memphis Zoo PR Office
05/26/2021
min read
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Memphis Zoo and Partners Rescue Rare Turtles at Memphis Port of Entry

The shipment was declared as “gifts,” but U.S. Customs and Border Protection agricultural specialists weren’t convinced. They referred the large cardboard box to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife inspectors who peered into the container only to discover baby formula cans lined with aluminum foil. They opened one. Inside was a white athletic sock.

Inside that: Terrapene carolina Mexicana—Mexican box turtles, each one tightly wrapped in duct tape. The 20 turtles were illegally bound for Asia from the Port of Memphis in Memphis, Tenn.

The two federal agencies followed that 24 March discovery with a comparable seizure on 2 April. This time, they uncovered 16 Mexican box turtles, also wrapped in socks and trapped in duct tape. Their shipping documents described them as “spare parts for hydraulic pumps.”

On 20 April, CBP transferred a third shipment to the Service. A wildlife inspector uncovered six more Mexican box turtles in a shipment falsely labeled as “spare parts sewing machines.” The turtles were also wrapped in duct tape, stuffed into socks and shoved inside ventilated baby formula cans.

Mexican box turtles wrapped in tape and socks

Following these discoveries, the U.S. government put would-be traffickers on notice: The United States is watching—and the illegal wildlife trade is not welcome here.

“Wildlife trafficking is a serious crime that impacts imperiled species across the world,” said Edward Grace, assistant director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “In this case, rare turtles were illegally smuggled into the U.S. The inhumane conditions in which they arrived shines a light on the dark and tragic world of the illegal wildlife trade. I would like to thank U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Memphis Zoo, FedEx, and our Service wildlife inspectors for their assistance with this case. Together, we can protect at-risk species for future generations.”

“CBP officers and agriculture specialists never know exactly what they might encounter on a given day,” said Mike Neipert, director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Area Port of Memphis. “We work closely with our partner agencies such as the Service to ensure that trafficking laws are enforced effectively, especially when it comes to endangered or regulated species. We’re glad that this joint effort resulted in these turtles being placed into a safe and caring environment.”

Since their discovery, the turtles are being cared for at the Memphis Zoo in Memphis, Tenn. Two died, weakened by the strain of being smuggled from Mexico to Memphis. Yet there has been one viable egg laid.

“We were pleased that the Memphis Zoo could offer assistance in stabilizing and treating these smuggled turtles,” said Chris Baker, assistant curator of the Memphis Zoo. “When they arrived, they were dehydrated and underweight from the holding and shipping conditions. Once they conclude treatment and become stable, they will be distributed to AZA partner zoos with expertise in caring for the species.”

Mexican box turtles are found only in eastern Mexico within the states of San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz. They live in dry lowland habitats, including tropical deciduous forest and thorn forest and scrub. However, in Veracruz, the species is also found in humid tropical habitats including rain forest.

Mexican box turtles

Unfortunately, their geographic range is traversed by roadways, subjecting the turtles to road dangers and illegal collection. It is rare to find the species outside of Mexico. Their export from the country has been banned, and their presence in the legal pet trade is next to non-existent.

Mexican box turtles are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Appendix II species are defined as species that may become threatened with extinction without international trade controls.

No one is certain precisely where the smugglers caught the turtles, so they cannot be returned to their original homes. For now, the surviving turtles are safe at the Memphis Zoo where they will help educate the public about the illicit nature of the illegal wildlife trade.

If you encounter potential wildlife crime, please report it to the Service’s wildlife trafficking tips line at 1-844- FWS-TIPS (397-8477) or email fws_tips@fws.gov. You might be eligible for a financial reward if your tip helps solve a case.

Photos credit: ©United States Fish and Wildlife Service


Back to All Stories
    Related Stories
  • Oregon Zoo Provides New Home for Chimpanzee Group »
  • Ripley’s Aquariums Research Efforts Birth Sand Tiger Shark »
  • Oregon Condor Takes Flight in Historic Redwoods Release »
  • About
  • Accreditation
  • Animal Management
  • Conservation
  • AZA Services
Zoo & Aquarium Finder Join Contact AZA
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • My AZA
  • Calendar
  • Login
Contact AZA
8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 710
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3314
Phone: 301-562-0777
Tax ID: 68-0480736
EIN: 55-0526930
  • Corporate Partnerships
  • Advertise
  • Photo Credits
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
© 1997 - 2022 AZA • All Rights Reserved
Memphis Web Design by Speak
I Accept

This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. If you continue using our website, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website and you agree to our Privacy Policy.

loading