Turtle UPDATE (8/3/26)
A Message from Our Rehabilitation Manager
To all staff, volunteers, Wildlife Center Friends, and supporters,
I truly want to thank all of you for the incredible support during this unprecedented event for the Mercer County Wildlife Center.
In the first 24 hours, I was panicked about how we would handle this. In the next 24 hours, we had a plan and were getting everything done. By 72 hours, 141 turtles had been admitted, weighed, triaged, X-rayed, photographed, medicated as needed, and provided with nutritious food, water, and, most of all, a safe place until a more permanent plan is in place. As of Sunday evening, 158 turtles have been admitted and have all received the same treatment.
As I tried to sleep on Sunday night, I realized what an incredible feat had been accomplished because of so many people giving whatever support was needed.
Thank you to:
NJDEP Fish & Wildlife law enforcement, who got to the scene as quickly as possible.
NJDEP Fish & Wildlife biologists who stayed in constant contact with me.
The Cranford residents, who collected turtles to keep them safe, and the Cranford Fire Department, who held them for transport.
The animal control officers who brought them to us.
Our staff, who handled the everyday Wildlife Center tasks during what has already been our busiest season, so I could focus on figuring out what we were going to do.
Our volunteers, who gave so many hours to transform an entire building into turtle housing, and who continue to improve it and care for these animals.
Our nonprofit partner, Wildlife Center Friends, who made the funding possible and simply said, "Get what you need. We are here for you."
The Mercer County Park Commission for supporting the Center staff and animals every day.
The public, whose outpouring of donations and support has made it possible for us to provide these turtles with the best care we can.
Nautilus Avian & Exotics Veterinary Specialists, who reached out immediately to offer support and will help with the long-term plan.
And finally, Dr. Nikki Harley, who spent an entire day (and probably half the night!) examining turtles and organizing a spreadsheet of her assessments so each turtle receives the care it needs.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for each and every person who has helped over the last 96 hours. What began with panic as the numbers grew from 30 to 50 to 80 turtles admitted on the first day has become 158 turtles in our care today.
I am amazed at what has been accomplished in just 96 hours, and I thank all of you for making it possible. (And thank you for finally letting me fall asleep and get a good night's sleep Sunday night because I knew this was all going to be okay, thanks to everyone's support.)
We have a lot more work ahead of us, but because of you, I know we can do it.
Thank you!
Nicole Golden
Mercer County Wildlife Center
Rehabilitation Manager
Update (as of today, Monday, August 3): Our turtle patient count has reached 167. Every turtle is receiving the same thorough medical evaluation and compassionate care described in Nicole's letter.
Emergency Turtle Rescue: UPDATE (7/31/26)
The Mercer County Wildlife Center is currently caring for more than 120 turtles from the recent Cranford dumping case, and that number continues to grow. These turtles are receiving evaluations, medical care, housing, and daily support from our rehabilitation team, all while hundreds of other injured and orphaned wild animals remain in our care.
This emergency response requires additional supplies, including storage bins, water pans, UV lighting, food, and other specialized equipment. Your donation to Wildlife Center Friends will help provide the resources these turtles need.
🐢 Help support this rescue effort:
While we are grateful for every offer of support, please do not bring produce, worms, or glass aquariums to the center. Donations, gift cards, and wish list purchases allow us to obtain exactly what is needed while avoiding waste.
Because this is an active investigation, we are limited in what we can share at this time. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.