Turtles Can’t Fight Crime in Captivity
It may surprise you to know that 99.9 percent of turtles have little to no ninja skills. Yet thousands of small turtles have already been purchased for children by parents anticipating the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. On the eve of the film’s release, Maryland Natural Resources Police begs parents to stick to reptilian action figures and skip buying baby turtles.
“These tiny animals aren’t toys, and they require a commitment to keep them healthy and safe,” says Natural Resources Police Cpl. Michael Lathroum.
Turtles of the non-ninja variety require work. You’ll need to find a vet that specializes in reptiles, special food (pizza won’t cut it) and equipment to maintain a healthy environment for your new pet. Turtles can also grow exponentially, meaning your cute herp that fits in a small fishbowl might become a two-foot turtle that needs a massive tank to thrive — all without ever learning how to wield nunchucks. Turtles can also carry salmonella.
If your child is enthralled with the Heroes in a Half Shell, encourage Turtle Power by picking up an action figure, not a baby turtle.