I love turtles.
I talk about them far too often.
I get emails and phone calls from my Facebook friends showing me photos or asking if they should help one that they've come across.
You see, I spent the summer of 2022 driving injured turtles to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre in Peterborough and helping release rehabbed turtles back to their original wetlands. I did a few runs in 2023. I'm by no means an expert, but I am passionate about this cause.
As soon as the weather heats up in Ontario, turtles are on the road again. Unfortunately, it's not because they WANT to be on the road, it's mainly because we've put roads through all our wetlands in southwestern Ontario and they have no choice. And lots of Good Samaritans have been stopping to help turtles get off the roads. But we always stress that YOUR OWN SAFETY comes first. If it's not safe to do so, please don't risk your life.
On May 18, two women from Chatham area stopped to help a turtle they spotted on the road. They were doing the right thing. Sadly, they themselves were hit and killed by a passing car. Story here Teresa Suliga and Elizabeth Seremak were sisters and best friends. They loved animals. They devoted their lives to helping others. I salute you both. I truly wish this hadn't happened. I wish drivers would slow down and pay more attention to the roads. Most of all, I wish everyone who wanted to could safely cross.
Rest in peace.
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