Summary:
1. The Saginaw Children’s Zoo celebrated World Turtle Day and educated visitors about turtles.
2. Tips for being a Turtle Hero and helping turtles cross the road safely.
3. The upcoming event at the zoo, Tails and Scales, to create more awareness about reptiles.
Thank you to everyone who “came out of their shell” to visit us last Saturday for World Turtle Day! We had a fantastic time creating turtle crafts and sharing fascinating information about these incredible shelled creatures that call the Saginaw Children’s Zoo their home. Thank you to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for joining us and helping educate our guests on turtles.
Turtles are remarkable creatures that have been around for millions of years, evolving and adapting to various environments across the globe. They belong to the ancient reptiles called Testudines, including tortoises and terrapins. With their unique ability to retract their heads, tails, and limbs into their protective shells, turtles have captured the imagination of people throughout history.
But did you know that you can be a Turtle Hero, too? That’s right, you can make a difference in these marvelous animals’ lives, especially regarding their safety on the roads. Here are some essential tips for being a responsible driver and helping turtles cross the road safely:
1. Always prioritize your safety and that of others around you. Only pull your vehicle over if it is safe to do so. If you have children with you, ensure that an adult supervises them at all times.
2. If you come across a turtle already on the move, smile and wave goodbye as it continues on its journey! Turtles often travel long distances, and interfering with their natural movement can harm their well-being.
However, if the turtle does not move when you approach it, you can carefully attempt to move it to the side of the road they are pointed towards. Try using a car mat to gently move the turtle without touching it for a pro tip. Remember, picking up a turtle should be a last resort, and if you do have to pick them up, avoid lifting them by their tail, as it can cause injury.
3. It’s crucial to remember that wild animals belong in their natural habitats. While encountering a turtle on the road can be a unique experience, it is always best to appreciate them from a distance and allow them to continue their journey undisturbed. Let’s keep our wild friends wild by enjoying them in their homes.
Are you intrigued to know more about being a Turtle Hero? Visit the Fish and Wildlife Service website at https://www.fws.gov/story/tips-helping-turtle-cross-road to learn other cool ways to positively impact these amazing creatures.
If you missed out on our World Turtle Day event, fret not! Another exciting and educational event is coming up at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 19, as we invite you to join us for Tails and Scales! This event will focus on reptiles and provide an opportunity to learn more about their fascinating world. From slithering snakes to scaly lizards, Tails and Scales promises an adventure for the whole family. We can’t wait to see you there!
In conclusion, we would like to express our profound gratitude to everyone participating in our World Turtle Day event. Your enthusiasm and support in our mission to educate and inspire love for wildlife is truly commendable. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these incredible creatures and ensure their conservation for generations to come. So, let’s all be Turtle Heroes and work towards creating a safer and more harmonious world for turtles and other wildlife!
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Source Description
Thank you to everyone who “came out of their shell” to visit us last Saturday for World Turtle Day 🐢💚
We had a blast making turtle crafts and sharing information about the amazing, shelled creatures that call the Saginaw Children’s Zoo their home! Thank you to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for coming out to help educate our guests on this topic!
YOU can be a Turtle Hero! 🦸🏽♀️ If you see a turtle on the road:
1. Always keep your safety in mind. Only pull your vehicle over if it is safe to do so. Children should always have an adult present.
2. If the turtle moves independently, smile and wave as they continue their journey! 👋 If the turtle does not move when you approach it, carefully attempt to move it to the side of the road that they are pointed towards. PRO TIP: Try using a car mat to move the turtle friend without touching them. If you must pick the turtle up, avoid picking them up by their tail, as it can cause them injury.
3. Remember to keep our wild friends wild by enjoying them in their natural habitats.
Visit https://www.fws.gov/story/tips-helping-turtle-cross-road to learn other turtle-ly cool ways to be a Turtle Hero!
Miss this event? Slither over to see us on Saturday, August 19, for our next event, Tails and Scales. 🐍 We hope to see you there!
