In a secret location in New Jersey, a turtle whisperer cares for trafficked animals
NPRIn a secret location in New Jersey, a turtle whisperer cares for trafficked animals toggle caption Nathanael Stanek/The Turtle Conservancy In north-central New Jersey, Maurice Rodrigues has a sizable backyard, and it’s filled with enclosures and tanks he’s built. “I would put this species up against any other turtle species on the planet in terms of beauty,” says Rodrigues, “and that’s what makes them valuable.” Sponsor Message And by valuable, he means at risk of being poached. “Just go swimming whenever I want with her.” Fumiji Aoki, Rodrigues’ partner, can attest to the fact that he’s a turtle softie. “And then spring, temperatures start to rise, that's when they get active in the breeding season.” Rodrigues says breeding is “important if a turtle is becoming extinct or there’s a problem in the habitat.
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