GSPCA Celebrates International Turtle Day and keep an eye on your male tortoise with the warm weather
Today, on International Turtle Day, the GSPCA is celebrating the incredible turtles and terrapins it has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed over the years, while raising awareness of the challenges these much-loved animals continue to face.
Through its work, the GSPCA has cared for a number of memorable sea turtles, including Barnacle Bill, Olivia, and Myrtle, each with their own story of rescue and recovery. These remarkable animals have highlighted both the threats faced by marine life and the importance of specialist care to give them a second chance.
In addition to sea turtles, the GSPCA regularly helps find new homes for a variety of turtles and terrapins, many of which have been abandoned or can no longer be cared for by their owners. The charity works hard to ensure these animals are placed in suitable environments where their complex needs can be met.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
“International Turtle Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these amazing animals and reflect on the journeys of those we’ve been lucky enough to help, including Barnacle Bill, Olivia and Myrtle. Each one reminds us how important it is to protect our marine life and provide care when they need it most.”
“We also see many turtles and terrapins needing new homes, often because people underestimate the long-term commitment they require. We are always grateful to those who offer them safe and loving homes and would encourage anyone considering taking one on to seek advice first.”
“With the warm weather we often see an increased number of escaped male tortoise in particular and if you are a tortoise owner please do ensure you keep a close eye on them as we see over 20 stray male tortoise every spring and summer.”
The GSPCA is encouraging the public to use International Turtle Day to learn more about how to protect turtles both locally and globally, from reducing plastic pollution to ensuring responsible pet ownership.
As always, the charity remains committed to helping wildlife in need and ensuring that every turtle and terrapin receives the care and support it deserves.
Steve continued “To help sea turtles we are busy building our new wildlife hospital which when completed will mean we will have areas we can then use and dedicate to terrapins and pet turtles in need of homes as currently we are often looking at where we can use due to the big build and loosing many buildings to enable this.”
“Which means our #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal continues to help support this much needed build and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal .”
“Also don’t forget it is GSPCA Cupcake Week another way to support our work by making, baking and selling cake to raise funds for animals in Guernsey and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-cupcake-week .”
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- GSPCA Cupcake Week 15th to 22nd May 2026
- Half Term Tours May 2026 May 2026 To be confirmed
- Microchip Month June 2026
- Volunteers Week 1st – 7th June 2026
- Guernsey Together Saturday 13th June 2026
- Classic Vehicle Show Sunday 21st June 2026
- Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday 26th June 2026
- Viaer Marchi Monday 6th July 2026
- Kitten Day 10th July 2026
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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