Meet Some of our Rescues

Here are just some of our current rescued animals. Click on the photo to learn their story, and a link to sponsor them.

Art Garfunkel

The Alligator Gar is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world! The record so far is 8 feet, 327 pounds. Art was confiscated by the State (DEEP) because it is illegal to keep gars in CT. Unlike the Alligator Gar, there are several species of gar that can tolerate colder water temperatures and could potentially survive in CT waters. Since baby gar are very similar in appearance, the state made all species of gar illegal to own.

Although he has a fierce appearance, Art is a very mellow guy. He gently takes his food from his caretakers, and like a dog with a bone, goes to the opposite side his pond to consume it. His favorite foods are fish pellets, insects, shrimp, and smaller fish. Art is estimated to be 4-5 years old and he's already outgrowing his 350-gallon pond!

King

King is one of the most sought-after aquarium fish in the world. The Asian Arowana is known for its beautiful coloration, huge "dragon-like" scales, and its rarity. This species is highly endangered in the wild and illegal to own in many countries, including the US. King was smuggled in from Canada and kept as a pet locally. His owner cared for him well, but eventually realized that they could no longer keep him. Because of the legality of owning this species, there were restrictions on where he could be rehomed. Thankfully we were able to take King, and he is now on display at RREC.

King is a very personable fish. He will immediately recognize his caretakers and watch them from across the room, hoping to get a treat. Like his buddy Art the Alligator Gar, King loves fish pellets, insects, shrimp, and smaller fish.

Pearl

The Giant Gourami is commonly sold in pet stores, but unfortunately like many other large species of aquarium fish, they grow too large for most people to properly care for them. Pearl is 15 inches long and lives in a 400 gallon aquarium with 'Buddy' the Fly River Turtle.

Although the Giant Gourami can live peacefully with other fish around the same size, they are solitary species in the wild and prefer to be by themselves. Pearl's former owner took excellent care of her, they were moving so they had to re-home her.

Pearl loves to people watch and will get face to face with anyone looking too closely, but please do not get too close, she can hurt herself on the glass. Giant Gouramis are mostly herbivorous, so she enjoys her vegetarian fish pellets and fresh greens!

Chad

*Chad found a new home! He now lives at the Connecticut River Academy in East Hartford. He has his very own 150 gallon aquarium in the Science Department!

Chad is a hybrid fish called a Flowerhorn Cichlid. His most obvious feature is his HUGE forehead, which is called a nuchal hump. In the Taiwanese and Malaysian cultures, fish with protruding heads are admired. So, in 1993 the Flowerhorn Cichlid was created by crossing the Red Devil Cichlid with Trimac Cichlids, and then crossing those hybrids with the hybrid Blood Parrot Cichlid (Redhead Cichlid x Midas Cichlid).

Chad is very aggressive and will posture to fight anyone, including humans, who even look at him the wrong way!

Prince Charming

White's Tree Frogs are one of the most popular pet frogs. They are appealing because of their larger size and very cute appearance. Their appeal fades quickly when the new owners realize that this strictly nocturnal tree frog sleeps all day and parties all night! Males will call throughout the night looking for a mate. Prince Charming lives with his four other tank mates at RREC because the owners could not sleep through the chorus of frogs in their living room.

Prince Charming and his friends all hang out in the amphibian section of RREC, enjoying delicious crickets, superworms, and dubia roaches.

Penelope

Penelope is our very first American Alligator. She came to us in 2014 when she was only 3 months old. Crocodilians are illegal to own in Connecticut, so her owner tried sell her on Facebook. Quickly they learned their error, and before authorities got in touch, they called us to surrender her.

UPDATE 10/23/23: Penelope now lives at JAWS FLORIDA, an alligator & wildlife sanctuary.

Pete

Pete, the American Alligator, arrived at RREC in very rough shape, it's amazing that he survived. At 4 feet long, Pete was only 11 pounds and severely underweight. He also had a scale infection and a vitamin deficiency. After a year of TLC, Pete is almost 5 feet long, and weighs a much healthier 18 pounds. His scales are beautiful, and he is a very handsome alligator!

UPDATE 10/23/23: Once Pete was healthy enough, he went to live at JAWS FLORIDA, an alligator & wildlife sanctuary.

Wink

Wink is a female African Helmeted Turtle. This species is imported by the tens of thousands every year for the pet trade. Wink is an older turtle. Although, it's difficult to see in the picture, she has a cataract in her left eye. African Helmeted Turtles, also known as African Side-neck Turtles, can live for 30-50 years, so we estimate her age to be somewhere between that.

Wink and her companion hang out in the front turtle pond at RREC. They will both splash and beg for food when they see their caretakers. Turtle pellets are their primarily diet, but insects, shrimp, and fish are sometimes given as treats.

Jersey

Jersey is a gorgeous male Eastern Box Turtle. While traveling back to Rhode Island from Florida they came across a Box Turtle Crossing the road in New Jersey. They picked up the turtle and brought him home thinking that he would make a good pet. Unfortunately, they did not know that Eastern Box Turtles are a protected species in New Jersey (and in Rhode Island) and what they did was illegal. Discovering this, they did the right thing and surrendered Jersey to a local wildlife rescue, which in turn placed him with us.

We have many Eastern Box Turtles at CERR, some of which share similar stories.

Margie

Margie is a female Chinese Box Turtle. Once commonly imported in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, this species is now endangered in the wild. Asian species of turtles are disappearing at an exponential rate mostly from harvesting for food and medicinal purposes. Margie's previous owner went to college, and she was left with the owner’s parents. She came to us in 2010 when she was 14 years old.

You’ll see Margie hanging out with the Malayan Box Turtles inside during the cooler months and outside with the Eastern Box Turtles during the warmer months. Box turtles are omnivorous, so Margie loves a varied diet of turtle pellets, insects, and fruit. When she’s outside, sometimes you can observe her eating slugs, worms, and woodlice.

Zebra

Zebra is a female Red-eared Slider that was surrendered to us in 2020. Like many Red-eared Sliders, Zebra, outgrew her aquarium and became too high maintenance for her owners. Unfortunately, this is a typical story when it comes to Red-eared Sliders. Please do your research first before acquiring a turtle, especially an aquatic one. Red-eared Sliders are most common species found in the pet trade, they get large, and can live for over 50 years!

Zebra hangs out in the outdoor turtle pond with the other sliders. She eats mostly turtle pellets, but since she’s outside, she’ll eat any old or injured shiners, aquatic insect larvae, and aquatic vegetation. On a warm sunny day, you’ll see her out basking with the other turtles.

Ghost

Ghost is a female albino Red-eared Slider. Her previous owner was moving to the west coast and could not take her with him. Red-eared Sliders are the most surrendered species of turtle. When Ghost first came to the center, she had an upper respiratory infection, and an abscess in left eye. She was immediately treated for the URI, but it took quite some time to properly diagnose, and treat the eye abscess. Because of the abscess, Ghost is now permanently blind in left eye, although that does not stop her from leading a healthy and happy life at the center.

Ghost hangs out in the outdoor turtle pond with the other sliders. She eats mostly turtle pellets, but since she’s outside, she’ll eat any old or injured shiners, aquatic insect larvae, and aquatic vegetation. Ghost has one of the best personalities, she’ll crawl into your lap and eat out your hand, if given the opportunity. On a warm sunny day, you’ll see her out basking with the other turtles.

Chicken

Chicken is a female Yellow-bellied Slider. She was found by a local fisherman in a nearby pond. He recognized that this was not a native species and brought her home with him. The next day he called us, and we were able to take her. Chicken is missing her back right leg, but she is more than capable of keeping up with all the other turtles in our pond. Just like their close cousin the Red-eared Slider, Yellow-bellied Sliders are popular pets and can survive CT winters.

Chicken spends some of her time in the outdoor pond during the warmer months, but unfortunately sometimes the other Yellow-bellied Sliders will pick on her, so we’ll move her to the indoor turtle pond.

Penny

Penny was found by a DEEP Conservation Officer when they intervened in a hoarding case. He was only the size of a quarter when he came us two years ago. Currently, Penny resides in our outdoor pond with the other rescued Eastern Painted Turtles. Eastern Painted Turtles are native to CT, and it is illegal to own native species without a permit.

We have quite a few rescued Eastern Painted Turtles. They all reside in the outdoor pond year-round. Penny and his buddies eat mostly turtle pellets, but they’ll eat aquatic insect larvae, aquatic vegetation, and tadpoles.

Spot

Spot is a Spotted Turtle that formerly lived at The Connecticut Audubon Society in Glastonbury. During COVID, the Audubon Society had to close its doors permanently, so Spot needed a forever home. She was originally a wild caught turtle, so there is little information on her age, but we estimate her to be at least in her mid 20’s. She’s also missing a back leg, which she most likely lost when she was in the wild to a predator. Spotted Turtles are a protected species in CT, and it is illegal to own one without a permit.

Spot is on exhibit next the admission desk at RREC. She lives peacefully with Poptart the Common Musk Turtle. Sometimes you’ll see them snuggling together underneath the heat lamp.

Poptart

Musk Turtles are a native species to Connecticut. Poptart was purchased from an online pet store and kept by her owners for two years before they realized that keeping aquatic turtles is very high maintenance. Musk Turtles get their name from a fowl smelling odor that they can secrete from glands located near the bridge of the shell (where the carapace and plastron connect). The smell is reminiscent of burning rubber, and if it gets on your skin, it is difficult to wash off. This is why they are often referred to as “Stinkpot Turtles”.

You can see Poptart hanging out with her friend “Spot” the Spotted Turtle in her enclosure next to the admission desk at RREC. If you’re lucky you might see them snuggling together underneath the heat lamp.

Mickey

Mickey is an adult Wood Turtle. Wood Turtles are native to Connecticut and protected throughout their range. Mickey was found wandering the streets of downtown Torrington, which is far from his natural habitat. Mickey's super friendly personality leads us to believe he was someone’s pet, and he either escaped from an outdoor enclosure or someone abandoned him at a local park in the downtown area. Either way, city life is too dangerous for a turtle, so he came to live with us. Mickey is estimated to be around 16 years old.

Mickey is very inquisitive! When the caretakers are maintaining the outdoor turtle pond, he’s usually underfoot trying to figure out what’s going on. Wood Turtles are omnivorous, so Mickey eats a lot of different foods: his favorite is earthworms though.

Charlie

Charlie is a male Red-footed Tortoise. Charlie was well cared for by his previous owner, but sadly, they had to rehome him. Charlie now lives with his companion Shelly. Like many species of turtles, Red-footed Tortoises can live for a very long time. They can average 50-60 years with some even living into their 80s.

Charlie and Shelly spend their winters off exhibit in a very warm room. During the warmer months you’ll see them outside at RREC in Turtle Haven. Red-footed Tortoises are omnivores and are one of the few tortoise species that needs a higher protein diet. Charlie and Shelly love fruit of all kinds, but one of their favorite treats is hibiscus flowers.

Tank

Unfortunately, African Spurred Tortoises like Tank are often kept as pets by owners who do not have the specialized knowledge and preparation for their specific needs. for their needs. The African Spurred Tortoise, i.e. Sulcatta Tortoise, is the third largest species of tortoise in the world. Adult males commonly weigh over 100 pounds, and some even grow close to the 200 pound mark. This fast-growing species can be over 15 pounds by its 10th birthday! Tank is 70 pounds and he's estimated to be in his 40s. Tank's story of growing too large for his owner to keep is common for this species.

Tank is a favorite among keepers and visitors to RREC. He always craves attention, and he will come right up to you for shell scratches and a butt rub! Giant tortoises can be very costly to feed, and Tank is no exception. He and his companions go through a bale of orchard grass and timothy hay every month along with over 30 pounds of fresh greens and veggies.

Speedy

Speedy, the Leopard Tortoise, was found behind a local family's house. Initially, they thought he was a native Eastern Box Turtle, so they let him be. After a few weeks went by, they shared some photos of their newfound friend on social media and learned that Speedy was a Leopard Tortoise from Africa! After finding out, they brought Speedy to us. Leopard Tortoises are common in the pet trade and can make good pets if all their requirements are met. They are a medium sized tortoise, and adults can weigh over 40 pounds.

Speedy lives with another Leopard Tortoise that was found in roaming in a nearby field. Leopard Tortoises are herbivorous and always eating. Since they are found in the dry tropical savannahs of Africa, they prefer a lot of dried grasses such as timothy hay and orchard grass.

Steven

Steven is an Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle. He was confiscated during a drug bust in New York. The Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle is a protected species in New York, so initially Steven went to a local wildlife rescue where he was loved and well cared for until the owner became ill and was no longer able to care for him.

Steven thinks everyone that walks by his enclosure has food for him. He’ll splash and beg for food when visitors come in for a closer look. But don’t let him fool you, he is well fed. Steven eats turtle pellets, fish, shrimp, and insects.

Green

Alligator Snapping Turtles are considered one of the largest species of freshwater turtles in the world! Adult males can grow to over 100 pounds. Although they are cute as babies, most pet owners are not prepared to keep such a HUGE aquatic species. Green lived at a wildlife rescue center in New York, until her caretaker became ill and could no longer care for her.

Green is currently off exhibit at RREC, but sometimes she is used for educational programs. She does look intimidating, but she is a very sweet turtle. She is mostly on a rodent diet but occasionally is offered other types of protein.

Buddy

Fly River Turtles are native to northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. You can probably guess from the picture that this species’ nickname is the “pig-nosed turtle”. Buddy's
owner was moving and was unable to take him along. He is one of our most interactive rescues and often has a crowd around his tank.

Fly River Turtles are mostly herbivorous as adults. Buddy is like toddler though when it comes to food: one day he’ll love blueberries, but the next he only wants raspberries, so we must keep his diet varied.

Cairo

Cairo was sold to an unsuspecting individual as a Blue-tongued Skink. It was not long before his owner learned they had purchased the fourth largest species of lizard in the world; a baby Nile Monitor. Since it is illegal to own Nile Monitors in CT, Cairo was surrendered to RREC where he is currently on exhibit.

Nile Monitors are typically a nervous species that do not tolerate handling. The crew at RREC patiently put many hours into building his trust with humans, and Cairo is now a friendly lizard and a joy to work with. Most species of monitors are strictly carnivorous, so Cairo enjoys mostly insects, small rodents, and the occasional fish.

John

John came to us as a hatchling when a local pet supply store accidently ordered him. Black-throated Monitors are illegal to own in CT. Although they are cute as babies, adults can grow to 7 feet long and weigh 60 pounds, which makes them one of the heaviest species of lizards in the world, second only to the Komodo Dragon.

John is a feisty little monitor lizard and incredibly intelligent as well. He’s a fast learner, and he’s quickly becoming more trusting of humans. He loves chasing down crickets and cockroaches and enjoys the occasional dead mouse.