Shared by Hannah Johnson, chief ranger visitor experience, Douthat State Park, as Guest Blogger.

Ranger Shelly

Introduction to Shelly:

Meet Ranger Shelly, a red-eared slider turtle residing at Douthat State Park as an educational ambassador. Shelly's journey to becoming part of the park's family is filled with twists, turns and multiple owners, culminating in her perfect role as a Virginia State Park resident.

Shelly's early life:

Shelly's adventure began in 2004 when she was gifted to a six-year-old boy named Tanner Bradley in Bath County, Virginia. Mistakenly believed to be a male, she was named T.J. It wasn't until T.J. laid an egg that the Bradley family discovered she was actually female. Shelly remained with Tanner for many years, growing too large for her tank. As Tanner entered high school, he entrusted Shelly to his biology teacher, Amber Yohe, who had a spacious tank for raising trout.

Life at Bath County High School:

At Bath County High School in Hot Springs, Virginia, Shelly thrived under Amber Yohe's care. She became a beloved classroom pet, often wandering around during class and receiving treats from teachers and students alike. However, when Amber left the school, Shelly's care fell to the next biology teacher.

Hannah Johnson's turn:

Hannah Johnson, in 2019, took over the biology classroom and found Shelly waiting for her. Though initially unsure about caring for a turtle, Hannah embraced the role. When schools closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19, Hannah grew concerned about Shelly's well-being and contacted Douthat State Park, where she had worked as a summer interpreter.

Shelly's new home at Douthat State Park:

Douthat State Park welcomed Shelly, providing her with a larger tank and more enrichment opportunities. Shelly thrived in her new environment, interacting with guests and becoming a key participant in the park's interpretive programs. In a twist of fate, Hannah Johnson, now the chief ranger of visitor experience at Douthat, found herself reunited with Shelly.

Curious about Shelly's history, Hannah reached out to Amber Yohe, Shelly's previous caretaker, and was amazed to learn that Shelly's original owner, Tanner Bradley, now worked at Claytor Lake State Park—a remarkable coincidence. It’s fascinating to think that Shelly, who was once a young boy's pet, has come full circle to live out her days in a Virginia State Park, while Tanner, her first owner, has also found his path in the Virginia State Parks system. This connection between Shelly's past and present, and between Tanner and Virginia's parks, highlights the special bond that can form between people and wildlife. It’s almost as if Shelly was always destined to be part of Virginia's natural heritage, first as a pet and now as an ambassador for conservation at Douthat State Park.

Ranger Shelly at Douthat State Park

The reality of turtles as pets:

While Shelly's story is heartwarming, it underscores that turtles are not ideal pets. Shelly was passed from owner to owner due to the significant commitment she required. Red-eared sliders, like Shelly, can live over 40 years in captivity, needing specialized diets, habitats and equipment such as tanks, filters and UV lights.

Native vs. non-native turtles:

Shelly is a non-native species in Virginia. As a red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), she is originally native to the southern United States, particularly in the Mississippi River area. During the 1970s, red-eared sliders became incredibly popular as pets, often sold in dime stores and pet shops across the country. However, due to health concerns, including the spread of salmonella, the FDA made it illegal to sell turtles with shells less than four inches long. This led to many people releasing their pet turtles into the wild, often in areas where they are not native.

In Virginia, red-eared sliders now compete with native turtles, such as the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), for resources like food, basking spots and nesting sites. This competition can put pressure on native species, potentially leading to declines in their populations.

Keeping native turtles in the wild is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting conservation efforts. Non-native species like red-eared sliders can upset this balance, making it all the more important to avoid introducing them into habitats where they don't naturally belong. By understanding the impacts of non-native species and refraining from releasing pets into the wild, we can help protect Virginia's native turtles and their ecosystems.

Leaving turtles in the wild:

It's crucial to remember that turtles should not be removed from the wild. Wild turtles play vital roles in their natural habitats, such as controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds. Removing them not only harms the individual turtle but also disrupts the ecological balance.

Moreover, once a turtle has been in captivity, it is illegal to release it back into the wild. Captive turtles can carry diseases that wild populations aren't equipped to handle, and they may lack the necessary survival skills. Releasing them could cause harm to both the released turtle and the native turtle populations.

If you encounter an injured turtle in the wild, the first step is to note the GPS coordinates of where you found it. This information is crucial, as it allows a local wildlife rehabilitator to return the turtle to the exact spot once it has recovered. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance, and they will guide you on the next steps to ensure the turtle gets the care it needs.

Additionally, if you see a turtle crossing the road, you can help it by safely moving it in the direction it was heading. Turtles have a strong sense of direction and helping them continue on their path can prevent them from turning back into danger.

By leaving wild turtles where they belong, choosing not to release captive turtles and assisting them when they need it, we can help preserve the delicate balance of our Virginia ecosystems.

Conclusion:

Ranger Shelly's story highlights the challenges of keeping turtles as pets and the importance of understanding the needs and impacts of native and non-native species. Turtles require specialized care, and their long lifespans mean they are a significant commitment — one that many pet owners may not fully anticipate. Shelly's journey, from being passed between owners to finally finding a stable home at Douthat State Park, illustrates the consequences of underestimating this responsibility.

Douthat State Park is now a permanent home for Shelly, where she can thrive and serve as a living example of why turtles belong in their natural environments, not in our homes. Through her story, Shelly educates visitors about the complexities of turtle care, the importance of conservation and the impact humans can have on wildlife, both positive and negative. Shelly's presence at the park not only enriches the lives of those who meet her but also plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the importance of preserving it.

To meet Shelly in person and hear more about her unique story, make sure to visit Douthat State Park!