In a secret location in New Jersey, a turtle whisperer cares for trafficked animals

Rodrigues emphasizes the beauty and value of turtles, particularly box turtles, stating, "I would put this species up against any other turtle species on the planet in terms of beauty." He highlights the poaching threat, saying it’s a cruel process that causes immense stress to the animals.

After confiscation, the Turtle Conservancy aims to rehabilitate and return the turtles to the wild. Rodrigues notes that new DNA technology enables them to trace the origins of certain species, thus enhancing their chances for successful repatriation.

He explains that sometimes turtles come from regions where repatriation isn’t an option, remarking, "In fact, the Turtle Conservancy houses 32 turtles from outside the U.S., indicating the ongoing need for conservation efforts beyond domestic borders.

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