Ellie came to Island Beach State Park’s Nature Center in 2017 from a local nonprofit organization called Project Terrapin. Project Terrapin is a volunteer, conservation and education initiative to support the diamondback terrapin and its habitat throughout Barnegat Bay and New Jersey. As part of their conservation efforts, Project Terrapin conducts a Hatchling Head Start Program, which provides terrapin hatchlings to local schools who raise them in the classroom for one year, giving them a chance to increase survivorship. Hatchlings that are suitable for release are marked and released in the following Spring.
Unfortunately, according to Project Terrapins Research Coordinator, Ellie was not able to be released due to a genetic defect affecting her eyesight.
A Valuable Educational Animal
As one of our most popular animals, Ellie provides us an excellent way to raise awareness about Diamondback Terrapins and the importance of preserving their native habitat. Terrapins are considered a species of special concern in New Jersey. Threats to these animals include overharvesting (conducted in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s), drowning in commercial style crab pots (they can get in, but can't get out), injuries from boat propellers, vehicular traffic and overdevelopment. We often get requests to care for terrapins that cannot be released back into the wild, but we can barely accommodate Ellie
In Need of Bigger Enclosure
At 5 years old, Ellie is still considered a young terrapin, as their average lifespan is about 25-40 years. She is currently living in a glass fish tank, not specifically designed for turtles and she is quickly outgrowing it. Our goal is to provide her with a new larger pond style habitat, allowing her to swim freely and accommodate her size as she continues to grow. The new enclosure will be built by volunteers and use local supplies from area businesses if at all possible. The features of this project will include: a width of 7 feet, depth of 4 feet and a height of 4 feet. The water depth will be approximately 2 feet. It will be made of lumber and marine grade plywood and hold approximately 125 gallons of water. A land basking area allowing her to completely come out of the water will also be included. The highlight of the enclosure will be a 6.5 foot by 3.5 foot glass front viewing area.
Please help us give Ellie a better suited habitat here at the IBSP Nature Center! Thank you in advance for your generous contribution.
