18 Painted Turtles saved after Oil Spill

Early in August, 2007, amidst our usual summer business, we were faced with an extra challenge: an oil spill in South Portland. Hundreds of gallons of waste oil - the worst oil of all! - began spilling out of a pipe into Cavalry Pond, a previously perfect turtle habitat. This secluded and protected pond, with minimal human and motor vehicle traffic, was home to some of the oldest and biggest painted turtles the CFW staff has ever seen. But with the oil spill, this turtle haven quickly and without notice became lethal to its inhabitants.

On August 7, as soon as the Maine Department of Environmental Protection heard about the spill and began working with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to rescue the turtles, the Center for Wildlife was put on alert. We're the only wildlife rehabilitation center in the state of Maine that is equipped to be a wash and treatment facility for oil-contaminated animals. Two days later, when the turtles started arriving at the Center, staff members began the long process of caring for them: gently washing and rinsing each turtle individually, meticulously removing as much oil as possible, keeping them warm under heat lamps, rehydrating them subcutaneously as needed, and monitoring their condition closely. Most turtles needed two or three washings to fully remove all the oil in the many cracks and crannies on their little bodies. We washed a total of seventeen painted turtles, one snapping turtle, and one wood duck.

Meanwhile, volunteers pitched in to help with the routine animal care that constitutes a "normal" week in August at CFW. Every cage was in use, and it takes a full contingent of staff and volunteers to run the Center on a normal August day. So, with the regular staff elbow-deep in turtles and oil, everyone else rose to the formidable challenge of keeping the Center going. As Rehabilitation Supervisors Amy and Lorisa stayed late into the night washing and rinsing, Development Director Laura abandoned her computer, and part-time Rehab Assistant Laurel rolled up her sleeves, as they led scores of saintly volunteers and interns in feeding animals, cleaning cages, purchasing supplies to wash and house the turtles, answering phones, handling new admissions, and doing - well - everything else.... including finding dinner for the turtle-washers!

It was an exhausting time, but we were all honored to help these fragile creatures, an ancient species which is now in peril from habitat destruction, car hits, and the illegal pet trade. The tiny eco-system of Cavalry Pond, once a rare haven where turtles were able to grow far bigger than they do in other, more dangerous parts of Maine, was devastated by the spill. Thanks to the hard work of clean-up contractors, the DEP, and IF&W, the pond was restored in time for us to release the turtles before they needed to hibernate. On August 31, those beautiful turtles were returned home, fresh and clean though no doubt very stressed from their experience. We hope they live out their long lives in peace, always find enough bugs and clean plants to munch on, and never have to visit the Center for Wildlife again.

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The Center tries to give much needed care but still allow the animals to be wild, with the intention of letting them go when they are ready to care for themselves. Too much "love" can result in a baby animal imprinting on the humans caring for it and that makes it difficult to release. If you find an animal that seems to be in need, keep an eye on it for while before you decide to take it in. Sometimes, Mom is right around the corner and will retrieve a baby in a short while. If you do decide to intervene, call the Center and get instructions on how to properly handle the animal or call the Animal Control officer in your town.