MinistriesScience

Help Protect and Save the Turtles

WOTAN CITY, LAD — The Ministry of Turtle Safety has issued a reminder and a plea to Ladonians abroad to keep an eye out for turtles and protect them from harm when possible.

Turtles are an important entity on this planet. During the day, even if it has not rained, there may be turtles in the road, either attempting to cross it to get to another body of water or to bask in the sun on the warm concrete. If it has rained, the chance of there being turtles in the road is even higher. In either case, the turtles are in a state of danger. This is a moment that a good Ladonian citizen should step in and take action.

The best way to address a turtle in the road is to check the conditions on the road, and pull over to the side of the road if it is safe. The next course of action would be to gently push the turtle either to the side of the road it was heading to — if there is no oncoming traffic, or carefully move the turtle back in the opposite direction.

Recently, I spotted a young, red-eared slider attempting to cross the road on a country back road. I pulled over carefully to the side of the road and got out of my vehicle. I spotted a small white car coming down the road and I waited patiently for it to pass so I could safely remove the turtle from the road. To my utter surprise and horror, the white car swerved towards the turtle. Luckily the poor turtle had put its head back in its shell or the person driving the car would have succeeded in their evil action.

I have faith in all Ladonians that none of us are like this person. Turtles are essential beings, and should be saved and shown mercy when possible.

— Christina Gallina, Minister of Turtle Safety

In some jurisdictions, like in the state of Florida, it is illegal to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles. “Nesting” is not the same as “in the middle of the road”. The Minister of Turtle Safety’s advice for protecting turtles only applies to turtles in imminent danger. The Minister reminds everyone to NOT touch or disturb *nesting* sea turtles, i.e. sea turtles on the beach or near the beach. Also, do not touch or disturb sea turtle nests or hatchling turtles (babies). Sea turtles are protected by the United States Federal Endangered Species Act and the Florida Marine Protection Act. For Ladonians living abroad or visiting Florida, please remember that ignorance of the laws will not protect you from prosecution.

Sea turtle nesting season in Florida runs from March through October on the Atlantic coast, and from May through October on the Gulf coast.

For detailed information on sea turtle nesting protections and advice on how to avoid disturbing nesting turtles, please see the Sea Turtle Conservatory website: http://www.conserveturtles.org/florida.php?page=nestingseason or contact the Ministry of Turtle Safety at [email protected].

News Editor

Ladonia Herald staff writers are citizens of the Royal Republic of Ladonia who donate their time and expertise to help write and edit the news and contribute photos. All writers and editors are vetted by our editorial committee.

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