Meet Acorn

A strong personality here at Turtle Rescue League, Acorn is a survivor. Like so many others, Acorn was stolen from the wild. On top of that, her captors drilled a hole through her shell to be able to tether her to a pole with a string. We will never know how long she had to suffer through this, but it was long enough to make the hole permanent and worn smooth around its edges.

Once common throughout Massachusetts, only a few scattered populations of box turtles remain, and their fragile habitats are being developed bit by bit. Acorn reminds us of the resiliency of the Eastern box turtle every day. Always watching us, we may not see her for long periods of time. Like her wild relatives, she can triumph over adversity if given a chance.

The fact that she can now trust and feel comfortable around us humans at TRL speaks to what a sweet little creature Acorn is, and makes her past that much more painful to comprehend.

Since she can never be released, Acorn has made it her mission to educate people on the plight of all turtles in the modern world. Turtles feel pain, fear, happiness and comfort, just like you. Remember Acorn’s story when you encounter a wild animal, and be thoughtful and educated on what you do next.

Acorn and everyone at TRL would like to thank the following turtle heroes for their ongoing support!

David Riddle – Lifelong lover of turtles

Rachel Carriere – in memory of Sugarloaf Henry

Mark Irving

Rose Molina

Ellen Bowyer