A Tale of Two Turtles Continued
Storyboard Text
- Well, you’ll be fine. Red Eared Sliders are an invasive species in New York. Now that you’re here, you’re my competition for food, space, shelter, and other important resources. When people dump their unwanted pets into ponds like this, native species have a difficult time finding enough food and space.
- Invasive species are really good at adapting to new habitats. That’s great for Red Eared Sliders like you, but it makes survival a challenge for Painted Turtles like me and other regional wildlife.
- That's not good! I don’t want to be your competition, but since I was abandoned in this pond, I don’t really have a choice but to adapt and make myself at home
- That’s why it’s very important for pet owners to be aware of the many responsibilities that come along with owning a pet before they buy one. Abandoning unwanted pets is not only bad and dangerous for the pets themselves, but for other plants and animals that their introduction affects. Letting pets go “back to the wild” disrupts ecosystems and hurts native species.
- Being a pet was fun, but it’s not a good life for a wild turtle like me. Instead of supporting the pet trade and keeping turtles in tanks at home, people should come visit us in ponds at city parks or even right here at the Prospect Park Zoo!
- That’s a great idea, Rudy! This way, turtles like me are safe in their natural habitats and the introduction of invasive species like you is reduced! Now how about some lunch? I’ve got a ton of algae!
- Yum! I’m in!
- But this is not the end...to help turtles just like Pat and Rudy, sign our Responsible Pet Owner Pledge!
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