Project Terrapin - Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

Raystede’s Project Terrapin is a unique sanctuary designed to help and care for injured and abandoned terrapins in the South East of England.

About terrapins

The main species of terrapins are Yellow-Bellied Sliders, Red-Eared Sliders, Cumberland Sliders and Cooters. These are classed as an invasive species in the UK and it is illegal to rehome them.

Terrapins look very cute when they are small and increased in popularity as pets, largely thanks to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchises.

They are often bought as pets as they are small and relatively cheap but there is woefully little information about how to keep them. Many owners do not realise that terrapins grow into very large adults - as much as 25cms long or the size of a dinner plate! They need a lot of space and specialist care. Sadly, when they reach maturity, many owners release them illegally because terrapins are difficult to rehome. Some terrapins will thrive in the wild but often cause damage to the local environment. Sadly, many of them perish.

Why has Raystede introduced Project Terrapin?

While we do not believe terrapins make good pets, our mission is to help as many animals as we can. We are fortunate that we have the space and our own lakes to create a sanctuary for these much misunderstood creatures.

What is Project Terrapin?

The project will consist of an intake and isolation unit, training pools, soft release pond, main lake, educational facility and resting beach.

When terrapins first arrive at Raystede, they are usually in poor health. They will be monitored and cared for until they are strong enough to be released into our indoor training pools. They are likely to still be quite weak with poor muscle strength so this will give them the chance to build up their health. Once we believe they have gained enough strength to live outside, they will be released into our soft release pond and ultimately the main lake. The lake has capacity for around 300 terrapins and there will be a beach for them to bask on.

Visitors will be able to view these fascinating creatures and there will be an educational facility - the ‘Shell-ter’ - nearby with all the facts and figures you need to find out more about the terrapins in Raystede’s care and why they do not make good pets.

Terrapins will have sanctuary at Raystede for the rest of their lives. Raystede believes that terrapins do not make good pets; we will not be putting them up for adoption.

Please note - we will not be able to take in any terrapins until the project is completed.

What is Project Terrapin?

The project will consist of an intake and isolation unit, training pools, soft release pond, main lake, educational facility and resting beach.

When terrapins first arrive at Raystede, they are usually in poor health. They will be monitored and cared for until they are strong enough to be released into our indoor training pools. They are likely to still be quite weak with poor muscle strength so this will give them the chance to build up their health. Once we believe they have gained enough strength to live outside, they will be released into our soft release pond and ultimately the main lake. The lake has capacity for around 300 terrapins and there will be a beach for them to bask on.

Visitors will be able to view these fascinating creatures and there will be an educational facility - the ‘Shell-ter’ - nearby with all the facts and figures you need to find out more about the terrapins in Raystede’s care and why they do not make good pets.

Terrapins will have sanctuary at Raystede for the rest of their lives. Raystede believes that terrapins do not make good pets; we will not be putting them up for adoption.

Please note - we will not be able to take in any terrapins until the project is completed.

Visiting Raystede

Building works for Project Terrapin start on Monday 10 July 2023 and will continue until the Autumn. During this time, the following restrictions will apply:

Closure of the entire Sanctuary area around the lakes – there will be no access from the goats’ enclosure, opposite the Equine Barn or at the top fields.
Closure of the dog walking trail through the Sanctuary area (NB – the dog walking trail around the perimeter fields will remain open.)

Please be mindful that there will be extra vehicles and contractors onsite but disruption to our animals and people will be kept to a minimum.

If you have any questions about the project, please do not hesitate to contact us on 08125 840252 or info@raystede.org

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we create Project Terrapin!

Take a look at the progress of Project Terrapin below!

Your kind donation helps us to rescue and rehome more animals in need.