Turtle Refuge in Bessières welcomed in 2023 almost 315 more individuals compared to the previous year. At the top of the most abandoned turtles are those from Florida, water turtles sold en masse in pet stores until their ban in 1997.
With a longevity of up to 60 years, they become cumbersome when their owners die or move abroad. Other species such as wild African turtles are also collected at the Refuge which has nearly 1,500 turtles. If a turtle is discovered in the wild, you must contact a specialized shelter.