This past week the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) was contacted about a pair of aquatic turtles that had been discovered by a landlord who was cleaning out an apartment that had recently been vacated.

ARL’s Field Services Department responded to the Greater Boston apartment and transported them to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Leonardo, a alligator snapping turtle.

Leonardo was found in an apartment in Greater Boston.

Donatello, a red eared slider turtle.

Both turtles are now in the care of a local wildlife expert.

The red eared slider and alligator snapping turtle were not getting the proper amount of UVB light and were also being kept in water that was too cold for them.

Once in ARL’s care, the turtles were placed in a proper environment, and later released to a local wildlife expert for further care.

Check Local Regulations

It’s important, particularly with reptiles, to consult local regulations to make sure that the animal is legal to own.

A permit is needed to own the turtles involved in this incident.