Kent Turtle Sanctuary
My name is Michael Butcher I am the Founder and First Trustee Of the Kent Turtle Sanctuary. It all began when I was a boy; I always wanted a turtle as I loved the kids cartoon Teenage Ninja Turtles, however thankfully my dad would not let me have one. I soon realised that a 50p-sized baby can grow to the size of a dinner plate and have specialist dietary and accommodation needs, some people do not cope and dump turtles in ponds and lakes.
Also when inexperienced owners were sold tiny babies they were not given correct information by pet shops eager to make a sale. When they are 1-2 years old and starting to outgrow their original small tank they are sold at half price with all equipment, Once they reached 4 inches they are virtually impossible to sell, so they are given away free or dumped.
When I grew up, I discovered that there were lots of these turtles out there that needed a home, so I started the Kent Turtle Sanctuary. We currently have some 1,500 terrapins including; soft shelled, snake necks, musk’s, red-eared sliders, yellow-belly sliders and side necks. Some are also disabled.
My goal is to make sure all turtles and terrapins are properly taken care of and that there is a home for those who need it. Many people do not have the time or capacity to take care of these wonderful animals and we are here to establish loving homes and support.
Based in Staplehurst in Kent we are a non-profit rescue & sanctuary centre. We currently have some 1,500 terrapins including; soft shelled, snake necks, musks, red-eared sliders, yellow-belly sliders and side necks. Some are also disabled.
We are a Registered Charity and hold a Natural England Invasive Alien Species Licence to legally take in all slider species.
Thank you Wetnose Animal Aid for paying off our large electricity bill, which is on 24/7
