MENASHA, WI (WTAQ) — An extremely rare turtle has been turned over to a local animal rescue.
Francis is an endangered Malaysian Giant Turtle. He was turned over to J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue in Menasha after his last owner died last week. Director John Moyles says he’s never seen anything quite like Francis.
“I’ve been working in the pet industry since 1996, and I’ve never seen one,” said Moyles. “They’re super rare, these turtles. They’re endangered in the wild due to overhunting for food.”
There are a few examples in zoos across the country, but Moyles says that’s really it. Even among exotic pet hobbyists, they’re rare.
Francis is going up for adoption, but he won’t be going to just anyone.
“We have an adoption process that involves an application, and an interview process to see if the people know what they’re getting into and to see if they have the equipment to handle such a large turtle, ” Moyles says.
There’s also a fee involved.
As for what kind of equipment one would need to care for the nearly three-foot-long turtle, Moyles says at minimum, you’re going to need a really big tank.
“A big, big, huge tank. With an industrial sized filter,” said Moyles. “If not a swimming pool.”
You’ll also need to dedicate time. A portion of the rest of your life, in fact: Francis, believed to be around 15 years old, will likely live another 60 to 80 years.
Unlike the two Alligator Snapping Turtles also owned by the man who passed away last week, also in the care of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, Francis isn’t dangerous. Moyles says the turtle is actually quite friendly and sociable.
Moyles says he ultimately hopes that all three turtles wind up in the care of a conservation group or zoo.
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