Our mission is to assist in the rescue, recovery and re-homing of lost, injured, abused or abandoned chelonians. We strive to provide the very best care and medical attention as needed and to ultimately find ideal new homes for those eligible. Please refer to our Adoption Procedures.

If you find a turtle while out for a walk in the country, hiking in the hills, or following a stream bed or drainage ditch, admire the wonder of the turtle and leave him alone.

If you see a turtle “in the middle of nowhere” who could be in imminent danger of being run over, and it is safe for you to do so, help him cross the road - using extreme caution to protect your life from oncoming traffic. Whenever possible, move the turtle from the road or highway a safe distance away from traffic and place him headed in the direction he was 'pointed' in the immediate vicinity. Turtles are known to be on the move in the spring and fall and when their native habitat and water source is no longer ideal. Turtles search for mates in the spring and a safe place to lay eggs spring through fall and also when seeking a secure hibernating area in the fall.

A word about native snapping turtles. (If you don't know the difference between a snapper, a pond slider, a soft shell, a box turtle, or a tortoise, you might be well advised to treat all turtles as if they were snappers.) Some aquatic turtles including snappers, have extremely long necks and powerful beaks. Leather gloves are handy as are snow shovels. If you pick up the turtle, gently lift him as close to the back 1/4 of his body as possible. Turtles also have sharp toenails and gloves will help protect your skin. Carry the turtle a safe distance from the road and place him on the ground in a covered area. If there is not a suitable area, consider that most turtles will be able to seek shelter within a 3-mile radius of where they were found. Remember to maintain proper hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.

If you find a turtle walking down a city street, in a parking lot or anywhere other than the open spaces of his natural habitat, follow the guide here for injured animals:
If you find an injured turtle or tortoise, please follow these steps:

Do not attempt to clean the injuries. Doing so could have severe long-term negative affects on the turtle.

Do not handle the turtle anymore than is necessary to place it in a box.

Place the turtle in a cardboard box lined with paper toweling or newspaper and close the lid. Do not seal the lid with tape but fold the corners into themselves so the turtle can't get out. (They're great climbers!) There is plenty of air in the box for the turtle.

Do not offer food or water.

Place the boxed turtle in a dark, quiet place until you are ready to transport.

Contact us by email at rescues@rgttc.org or if in Albuquerque, call (505) 250-8247. If calling, please leave a detailed message.

In the event we are unable to offer immediate assistance, we will provide you with appropriate alternatives and contacts for the care and re-homing of your animal.

Individuals surrendering their personal turtle or tortoise will be asked to sign a statement confirming that they are the legal owner. You may download this form Here .

To see a few of our rescues, click Here.