What We Do
Box Turtle Sanctuary of Central Virginia is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All proceeds go towards maintaining healthy habitats for our surrendered and orphaned turtles and providing educational programs for all ages.
Our Mission
The mission of the Box Turtle Sanctuary of Central Virginia is twofold: 1) to protect and preserve the natural habitat of the Eastern Box Turtle by providing educational programs; and 2) to provide healthy habitats for injured, orphaned, and surrendered turtles at the Sanctuary.
Our Vision
The Box Turtle Sanctuary of Central Virginia envisions the state of Virginia as a healthy ecosystem for the Eastern Box Turtle.
Meet Shelley
Years ago, on a cold Thanksgiving Day, as I ventured out on an errand, I came across a box turtle at a new community gateway.
I stopped, knowing he should be hibernating, and picked him up. He was still alive, almost weightless, and with an upper respiratory tract infection. As I looked around, I noticed his habitat had been destroyed and replaced by houses.
His future looked bleak, but he was the beginning of my box turtle education.
With a little help from my Wildlife Veterinarian, “Rhoads” survived that first winter, and became the first inhabitant of what was to become the Box Turtle Sanctuary of Central Virginia.
Here we are today. I have lost count of the number of turtles living at the Sanctuary.
Thanks to collaborations with the licensed rehabbers at Chickahominy Wildlife and Animal Education & Rescue Organization (AERO), I have taken the first step to becoming a licensed rehabber and obtaining a Category 1 permit. This designation allows me to take in sponsored approved animals and care for them until they can be returned to their wild habitat.
With the help of volunteers and board members, we are building a Turtle Hospital. And thanks to an Eagle Scout and his troop, we are creating an outdoor classroom to complete our Education Center.
We look forward to developing opportunities through a Membership Program and offering guided tours and turtle sponsorships.
Won’t you help us?
-Shelley
Shelley Whittington is the founder of the Box Turtle Sanctuary of Central Virginia
Why Should We Help the Eastern Box Turtle?
Biodiversity Preservation & Ecosystem Balance
Protecting Eastern Box Turtles helps maintain biodiversity. Box turtles control insect populations by feeding on bugs and contribute to plant diversity by dispersing seeds through their droppings. As an indicator species, their health reflects the overall health of their environment.
Slow Reproduction Rate
Box turtles have a slow reproductive cycle, with females laying only a few eggs per year. Many hatchlings don’t survive to adulthood due to predation and environmental threats. Once populations decline, they take a long time to recover.
Uncertain Future
Box turtles face habitat loss due to urbanization, deforestation, and road construction. Many also fall victim to road accidents, illegal pet trade, and pollution. By helping to protect box turtles, we help preserve nature’s balance and ensure that future generations can enjoy these unique reptiles in the wild.