The National Turtle Sanctuary, based at the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park (http://www.lincswildlife.com/), is a unique enterprise aimed at giving long-term homes to former pet turtles and terrapins.
Certain turtle and terrapin species that became extremely popular as pets when Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was at its peak as a cultural phenomenon. Many were purchased as hatchlings but, for various reasons, people found that they could no longer keep them and some were released into the wild. Because several of these species are now considered invasive, they cannot legally be given away (without evidence of original purchase) or sold and so have to be relinquished to a registered sanctuary or euthanised. However, most rescues and sanctuaries are unable to accept them. This has led to a welfare crisis. As a direct response to this challenge, we have set up the National Turtle Sanctuary, with the goal of housing several thousand animals. It is being set up by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in collaboration with the National Centre for Reptile Welfare (https://www.ncrw.co.uk/) and us, The Cold-Blooded Care Working Group. The project uniquely aims to unite welfare organisations, the pet industry and scientists to help to achieve the best possible outcomes for these otherwise unwanted reptiles.
For more details please see their website http://www.lincswildlife.com/national-turtle-sanctuary/
