Vaughan, ON — April 3, 2026 — Reptilia Vaughan staff arrived this week to find a Florida snapping turtle abandoned in a bin outside the facility’s front doors. The turtle, left exposed to the elements, was accompanied by a handwritten note stating that his name is “Gilberto.”
This marks the second abandoned reptile left outside Reptilia’s doors in 2026, a deeply concerning trend that puts animals at extreme risk. Leaving any animal unattended outdoors—particularly in a container—exposes them to temperature extremes, dehydration, stress, and potential injury or death.
Reptilia reports that while it receives frequent requests to surrender aquatic turtles, the reality is that these animals have complex care requirements, including specialized habitat, filtration, diet, space, and a long-term commitment.
“Unfortunately, aquatic turtles are one of the most common surrender requests we receive,” said Ashley Maika, Community Engagement Coordinator at Reptilia. “Their care is far more complex than many people realize, and while we do our best to help when possible, we can only accept animals when we have the space and resources. Abandoning an animal outside our doors is not only dangerous, but it does not change our capacity for these specialized and often solitary species.”
Reptilia Vaughan has contacted Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) regarding the turtle’s abandonment and to determine the best course of action for his future care.
Reptilia urges the public not to abandon animals under any circumstances. Individuals who can no longer care for a reptile are encouraged to contact licensed facilities, rescue organizations, or animal welfare professionals to discuss humane and responsible options. Leaving animals outside or abandoning them in containers is never the answer.
The organization hopes this incident serves as a reminder that reptiles are long-lived animals requiring informed, responsible ownership, and that impulsive acquisition can ultimately result in animals being placed in unsafe and unsuitable situations.
