{"id":9579,"date":"2025-10-20T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/turtlesurvival.org\/?p=9579"},"modified":"2025-10-20T15:12:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T19:12:21","slug":"update-from-mexico-conservationists-mobilize-to-save-survivors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/turtlesurvival.org\/update-from-mexico-conservationists-mobilize-to-save-survivors\/","title":{"rendered":"Update from Mexico: Conservationists Mobilize to Save Survivors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Just over a week ago, a staggering seizure of over 2,000 wild turtles<\/a> in Mexico highlighted the scale and sophistication of the illegal wildlife trade. The confiscation included turtles from across the country, representing numerous species, many of them rare or highly sought after by collectors. Among them was the Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon vogti<\/em>), the most endangered turtle species in the Western Hemisphere. Organized commercial poaching is clearly behind this stockpiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We at Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) immediately mobilized to provide logistical, veterinary, and financial support to our partner in Mexico, Guadalajara Zoo<\/a>. The effort has been intense, with the zoo\u2019s teams triaging, stabilizing, and providing top-quality care while carefully organizing the turtles by species. Space is limited, but with support from donors<\/a> around the world, additional housing is on the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Jose Jordan Meza Contreras, Heidy Johana Ochoa, Victoria Jim\u00e9nez Barajas, Marcos Jos\u00e9 Marcelin I\u00f1iguez, Jose Jordan Meza Contreras, Ricardo D\u00e1valos S\u00e1enz<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

TSA\u2019s Senior Director of Conservation and Science, Andrew Walde, who is currently on site, reports that the turtles display a range of conditions. Some are alert and engaging in natural behaviors, such as exploring their bins and interacting with bin mates, signs of cautious optimism. Unfortunately, there continues to be sick, weak, or stressed animals, and some further mortality is expected given the conditions in which they were held by traffickers. Species such as the Alamos Mud Turtle (Kinosternon alamosae<\/em>) have suffered higher losses, making disease testing<\/a> and careful quarantine a top priority. The team is meticulously avoiding cross-contamination, critical for the long-term recovery of these animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mexican Mud Turtles (Kinosternon integrum)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The global response to this crisis has been inspiring. To date, 127 individuals and organizations have generously contributed<\/a> funding to assist the effort. In particular, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) has pledged $10,000 USD. \u201cWe at the DZS are very grateful to the entire TSA team and the Guadalajara Zoo for stepping up to assist and lead during this crisis,\u201d said David Dimitrie, Director of Conservation. \u201cWe value all the hard work of TSA as we continue to strengthen our commitment to both turtle conservation and combating the illegal wildlife trafficking crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jose Jordan Meza Contreras, Sebasti\u00e1n Flores-Guerrero, Sara Walker, Indira Berroter\u00e1n, Ricardo D\u00e1valos S\u00e1enz<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Guadalajara Zoo continues to methodically clean and organize the turtles, placing high-value and smaller individuals in appropriately-sized bins in limited numbers, while allocating larger species to the remaining suitable spaces. Every detail, from feeding to providing hiding spots, is addressed to give these turtles the best chance at survival. Additional materials are being sourced to create safe shelters, and every team member is focused on stabilizing as many animals as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Arizona Mud Turtles (Kinosternon stejnegeri)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This seizure is a sobering reminder of the threats wild turtles face, but it also highlights the extraordinary efforts of conservationists, veterinarians, and institutions who step up in times of crisis. The collaboration between TSA, the Guadalajara Zoo, and supportive individuals and organizations, like DZS, offers hope that these turtles can survive, contribute to assurance colonies, and eventually return to wild populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops and more turtles are stabilized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Header image: Vallarta Mud Turtles (Kinosternon vogti). All photos by Andrew Walde<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

–<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please consider making a donation today. Every dollar helps provide urgent medical care, disease testing, and long-term care for these rescued turtles.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Donate Today<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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