Can You Release a Turtle That Has Been in Captivity?

Releasing a captive turtle into the wild may seem humane, but there are several factors that must be explored prior to liberating the animal. Failure to consider the appropriate factors when deciding whether or not to release a turtle that has been in captivity can have fatal results for the individual turtle and other turtles it comes in contact with.

  1. Illness and Diseases

    • When pet turtle becomes ill, some owners mistakenly believe this is a reaction to being in captivity. Consequently, these owners release their turtles. This is dangerous for the turtle and other turtle species it may encounter in the wild. The turtle likely will not survive because of its weakened state. This turtle can also create a pandemic within the wild turtle population whose immune systems may not be accustomed to dealing with the captive turtle's disease.

    Exposure to Other Reptiles

    • Reptiles carry a wide variety of bacteria, fungi and diseases that are communicable via contact or shared water bowls. Captive turtles may have an opportunity to develop an immunity to the diseases carried by other inhabitants of the cage or aquarium it lives in. Even if the turtle does not combat the illness, it is important that the bacterial infection or disease be contained. If released into the wild, the turtle may transfer the bacteria, fungi or disease to the turtles in the wild, possibly eradicating the wild turtle population in a specific region.

    Reproductive Viability

    • Prior to releasing a captive turtle into the wild, it is important to survey the habitat that you are seeking to introduce the turtle into. Identify turtles of the same species as the turtle you want to release. Contrary to popular belief, turtles only mate with turtles of their species. If the turtle you release into the wild cannot reproduce, it is biologically dead. Furthermore, a paucity of turtles of the same species as the one in captivity indicates that the species may not be able to survive in that area.

    Prospective Habitat

    • Diet, temperature and potential predators play an important role in the survival of a turtle in the wild. Captive turtles should be released as close as possible to the area they were found or to their natural habitat. This ensures that the turtle will be surrounded by vegetation or animals it is accustomed to eating. Also, the turtle may be accustomed to the climate of the area and not sensitive to temperature or seasonal changes. Releasing a captive turtle into its natural habitat also increases the likelihood that the turtle will be able to avoid natural predators in that habitat.