A North Texas FedEx Office alerted authorities after discovering an attempted shipment containing 191 turtles and tortoises, prompting an unusual rescue operation involving the City of Denton Animal Shelter and Dallas Zoo.
The Denton Animal Shelter said staff responded to the FedEx location after receiving the call and immediately took the animals into their care. Shelter staff temporarily housed the turtles and tortoises in one of the facility’s offices while making arrangements for their care.
“This was business not as usual,” the shelter said in a social media post describing the unusual case.
The animals received care while shelter officials contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about the shipment.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened an investigation after being notified by the Denton Animal Shelter.
The shelter thanked the agency for its quick assistance and partnership during the response. Local animal welfare organizations also helped coordinate the unusual rescue.
Officials have not released additional details about who attempted to ship the animals or where they were supposed to be sent.
After being cared for temporarily by Denton Animal Services, all 191 turtles and tortoises were transferred to the Dallas Zoo. The animals are now safely housed at the zoo, according to the Denton shelter.
The shelter said the incident demonstrates the broad range of situations handled by animal services and the importance of cooperation among local and federal agencies.
“This unusual rescue is just one example of how our animal services team supports the community,” the shelter said.
The investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service remains ongoing.
In May of this year, a Louisiana man was indicted on charges related to turtle trafficking for allegedly selling more than 1,800 turtles worth an estimated $55,000 in the Asian pet trade.
Provided by Dallas Express
