Turtle Raised in Darkness on a Cat Food Diet Experiences Sunlight After 50 Years

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A rehabilitated eastern box turtle, freed after living indoors for decades, recently experienced her first exposure to sunlight in years Rockalina spent 50 years as a pet in a New York home, suffering severe health issues due to her confinement Experts advise against keeping eastern box turtles as pets, emphasizing their need for natural habitats

A wild eastern box turtle, Rockalina, has finally enjoyed fresh air and sunlight for the first time in decades after being transferred from a New York residence to a rehabilitation center in New Jersey earlier this year.

As reported by NPR and the Washington Post, Rockalina is on the road to recovery after spending five decades confined to a tiled kitchen floor, thanks to the efforts of the Garden State Tortoise organization.

Chris Leone, founder of Garden State Tortoise, recounted that they were shocked upon receiving photos of Rockalina. “When we saw the images, my wife and I were taken aback,” Leone said.

Rockalina’s journey began in 1977 when a young boy found her outside and brought her into his family’s home, where she has remained ever since. Initially estimated to be around 10 to 15 years old, she subsisted primarily on cat food and lettuce, leading to a plethora of health issues. Unlike her natural counterparts, her feet became accustomed to smooth flooring instead of the rough terrain that would have kept her claws naturally trimmed.

This February, after a family member reached out for assistance, Leone and his team assessed Rockalina’s condition. Photos revealed significant differences from typical eastern box turtles, which are usually vibrant in color. Instead, Rockalina exhibited pale skin, overgrown claws curling back into her feet, eye problems, and missing a tail, in addition to being matted with cat hair.

“Initially, we feared we might lose her,” Leone admitted. “The situation was dire; she couldn’t even see.”

Taking swift action, Rockalina was gently placed in a warm bath, which prompted a remarkable response. “Within about 45 minutes, her eyes opened, and it was as if she was beginning to register her surroundings,” Leone recalled.

Subsequently, she received veterinary care, including antibiotics, a nourishing diet of soft foods, and necessary grooming to address her claws and beak.

Garden State Tortoise actively shared updates about Rockalina on social media, including a touching YouTube video that showcased her initial moments basking in the sun, capturing the interest of many supporters who are following her progress.

According to the National Park Service, eastern box turtles used to be plentiful along the eastern seaboard, often seen in backyards. However, their populations have dwindled due to habitat destruction and the trend of keeping them as pets. The Smithsonian National Zoo notes that these turtles can live for over a century.

Rockalina is gradually recovering and adapting to her temporary outdoor habitat. Although she may not integrate with other turtles due to her history, she has started to engage with her environment, demonstrating natural behaviors like digging into the substrate.

“It’s almost as if she knows we’re helping her; every time we assist her, she reacts positively,” Leone added.

Rockalina has also resumed some of her former habits, including foraging for food, and has even eaten an earthworm since returning outdoors.

“She’s utterly charming,” Leone commented, noting that the shape of her beak gives her a perpetual appearance of smiling.

Leone and the team at Garden State Tortoise encouraged anyone who encounters an eastern box turtle in the wild to leave it be, remarking, “They are where they belong.”

“It’s one of those rare occasions when we can truly say there’s a happy ending,” Leone concluded.

Source
people.com