The Central MS Turtle Rescue was founded in 2013, born from the passion and dedication of two people who recognized the need for a qualified turtle rescue facility in Mississippi. We provide rescue and rehabilitation for injured, sick, abused, neglected, or abandoned turtles and tortoises.

Our goal is to release all native, wild rehabilitated turtles back to their natural environment.  Turtles that are not native to MS or are unable to be released to the wild are re-homed through adoption to qualified applicants or remain in our care to safely live out their lives. We also provide education to the public about turtle conservation, and provide pet turtle owners with education about proper husbandry, diet, and medical care.

We are authorized wildlife rehabilitators under an Administrative Rehabilitation Permit through the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on the turtles we are helping, whats new, and any new fundraising campaign.

What's New?

​Christmas in August Building Fundraiser

​Our Christmas in August Auction Fundraiser is an effort to raise funds to make some much needed repairs at our facility, as well as to build new enclosures.  If there's one thing we need above all others, it's more space to put turtles.  We're taking in more and more each year, and need additional tanks and enclosures to house them.  Proceeds from this fundraiser will be earmarked for that purpose.

We have created an auction group on Facebook for this fundraiser.  Join our group and join the fun! 

The "I Stop for Turtles" decals are back!

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These lime green decals come in two sizes: small (4" x 4.5") and large (5.1" x 5.6") and are $10/each, which includes shipping! Discounts are available on bulk orders, and customizations can be requested (color, font, wording, size, etc.) for an additional $5/each. The decals will be produced and shipped weekly, so no waiting for a campaign to end. Just order, wait about a week, and your decal will be in your mailbox. Click below and order yours today! All proceeds go toward our mission of rescuing, rehabbing, and releasing sick, injured, neglected, abused, or abandoned turtles and tortoises.

Click Here to see additional decal information and ordering details.

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Order 2019 Calendars!

If you missed out on the Calendar fundraiser, we were able to purchase a few extras.  There is limited supply, and they'll only be sold while supplies last.  So, get yours now before they're all gone!
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We have custom made 2019 calendars available to order. 

Click Here to see additional calendar information and ordering details.
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Best of 2017 Awards





​Our rescue and our executive director, Christy, were selected as the Reptile Report's Reader's Choice Honorable Mention in the category of Chelonia Personality of the Year.  We were honored to have been nominated alongside names such as Chris Leone, Anthony Pierlionni, Steve Enders and others who have been such an influence to us in our passion for turtles, and an inspiration for our desire to help them.

Thank you to all who voted for us in both the Chelonian Personality of the Year and Community Service of the Year categories. It is both humbling and flattering to know that so many of you support what we do! 

Sponsor a Turtle

Most of you have seen the photos of the injured, the sick, and the abused turtles we take in. Many of you have expressed interest in helping financially with a specific turtle that touched your heart. Well, we've developed a way for you to do just that. You can now sponsor a turtle with us. Your sponsorship donation helps to cover the food, housing, and medical costs for the turtle you choose. We have 4 levels of sponsorship available for you to choose from, and you can even donate your sponsorship in someone else's name as a gift.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax-deductible. Sponsoring a turtle is a great way to get involved when you are unable to foster or adopt.

We Are Officially a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Rescue

GREAT NEWS!  As of January 1, 2017, we are officially a nonprofit organization in the State of Mississippi, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization. This means that all donations made to our charity are tax-deductible for you!  So, please consider making a donation today.  Every penny helps!

Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on whats new at our rescue.

Do You Want To Help Us Help Turtles?

Check out our How You Can Help page to see the various ways you can help us help turtles in need.

All expenses incurred toward these rescues, including fuel, equipment, housing, food, and medical expenses are paid for entirely through fundraisers and donations from people like you.  We help hundreds of turtles at our facility, and the expenses can be overwhelming. If you would like to make a donation to help with the many costs involved in caring for the turtles in need, you may do so by clicking on the PayPa Giving Fund link below.  All donations are tax-deductible and PayPal will provide you with a receipt. All donations are tax-deductible. We welcome and give thanks for any amount you can give. Thank You!

We've Been in the News!

Our rescue has caught the interest of several news organizations. If you are interested in reading the articles, check out our Articles About Us! page to see what they had to say. 
I am a turtle.

I think, I feel, I survive.

I am not disposable.

I am not a second-class animal simply because I cannot fetch, roll over, or shake hands.

Cold-blooded does not mean I do not feel pain or fear.

I am a life, and my life is precious.

​I am a turtle.

--Christy Milbourne, June 2011