We adopted Mojo, the young Red-Eared Slider Turtle, in July 2023. The adoption process was a fun, positive, and informative experience from start to finish. I think it helped that I had previous experience caring for another turtle (Shelly) throughout her life, but if someone did not have the same kind of experience, I think you could certainly learn the basics from reliable information sources.

About Mojo, he was known at Toronto Humane Society for being a shy but adorable guy around visitors. That being said, within a week of moving him into his new home, Mojo had let go of much of his shy exterior. We now see him swimming around avidly when someone comes by, swimming even more actively at the sight of food, basking on his dry dock, and exploring our garden curiously when we take him outside. He seems like he’ll eat almost anything, so it’s not hard working up to a varied diet, but doing our research on feeding patterns is important too.

If you’re interested in adopting a turtle from Toronto Humane Society, I would recommend it and would encourage you to make sure you understand all the care requirements. I myself am happy to know that, if taken care of well, turtles may live happy, decades-long lives alongside their parents!

If you would like to share your Happy Tail on our website and social media, please send us a photo and story at happytails@torontohumanesociety.com.