Tennessee Aquarium joins national partnership to save turtles and end turtle trafficking

The AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extincton) American Turtles program is a newly launched partnership between more than a dozen zoos and aquariums. They are joined by an additional 30 "field partners," including federal and state law enforcement agencies, universities and conservation organizations. Members of this program will offer assistance to house, care for and, when possible, reintroduce turtles confiscated as part of efforts to curb wildlife trafficking. Initially, SAFE American Turtles will head start programs centered on five species and groups of species, including Wood Turtles, Bog Turtles, Blanding's Turtles, Spotted Turtles and terrapenes (the group name for Box Turtles). However, SAFE members will offer assistance to rehouse and care for all confiscated turtles, regardless of species.