Turtles will be raised under human care, released into wild
Baby spotted turtles from John Ball Zoo will head off to college at Calvin University on Thursday, Oct. 23, where they will mature and become stronger for life in the wild.
The two institutions have partnered to help conserve local spotted turtle populations by “head starting” them, meaning the baby turtles will be raised under human care and released into the wild once they are older and less vulnerable to predation.
Led by Dr. Will Miller, associate professor of biology and a Certified Wildlife Biologist, Calvin students will care for and feed the turtles as part of their biology curriculum, monitor turtle growth and place trackers on them before they are released into the wild.
The partnership is the latest addition to John Ball Zoo’s Great Lakes Rare Turtle Program, led by Bill Flanagan, the Zoo’s conservation manager. The program works to address threats to a variety of turtle species that are found in North America.
Media are invited to Calvin when John Ball Zoo’s conservation team brings the turtles to the school and to interview those who work with the turtles.
WHO: Bill Flanagan, conservation manager at John Ball Zoo
Dr. Will Miller, associate professor of biology and Certified Wildlife Biologist
WHAT: Spotted turtle drop-off
WHEN: 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23
WHERE: South entrance of the Science Building at 1726 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids
RSVP: Media that wishes to cover the event must contact Michael Martin, mmartin@jbzoo.org, to reserve a spot.
