Turtle Foster Homes

A pet turtle is a lifelong commitment and should never be released into the wild. Most pet turtles are non-native species that cannot survive during our cold Canadian winters. The few species that can survive may compete with native turtle species for food or occupy favourable sites for nesting, overwintering, and basking. They may also introduce pathogens that make native turtles sick and contribute to population declines, especially in Species-At-Risk.

The red-eared slider is a common pet species that is not native to Ontario.

Visit Little RES Q for more information on rehoming or adopting a red-eared slider.

Please note that the Toronto Zoo does not take in injured or unwanted turtles.