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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. |
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In September 2023, our founder, lead rehabber, and Executive Director, Christy Milbourne, was diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, this has necessitated the temporary closing of the Central office of CMTR. This means we will not be accepting any new patients at our Central office until Christy has completed her treatments and kicked cancer to the curb. Our Northern office is still open and operational. Additionally, several rescues around the state have graciously offered to help out as much as possible with turtles during this time. Check out our Contact Us page for more information.
We're sorry for this temporary closing. It was not an easy decision. It was, in fact, a heartbreaking one. We will be back in action just as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience during this time. |
Has a Turtle Emergency Brought You Here?
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What's New?
"This Shirt Saved a Turtle" Fundraiser
An exciting t-shirt fundraiser is going on through the end of March! Click the image below to check it out!
New Turtle Hospital
Check out what YOU ALL did!!! The new turtle hospital/ICU is complete! This new building is exactly what we needed, and we are forever grateful to all of YOU who made it possible!
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Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on the turtles we are helping, whats new, and any new fundraising campaign. |
We're now on Instagram!
Check Out All The CMTR Fundraiser Items!
We have several items available for purchase. 100% of the proceeds go to the turtles that are in our care.
 I Stop For Turtles Decals
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Rainbow Book
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Personal Silicone Straws
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Joshua Petersen Art
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2020 Rankin's Best of the Best Top 5 Nominee
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THANK YOU!! Thank you to everyone who nominated and/or voted for us in 2020's Rankin's Red Carpet Best of the Best Awards. What a humbling and amazing experience that was for us! We are so grateful to be recognized by the outstanding citizens of Rankin County! |
Best of 2017 Awards
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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! |
We Are a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
As of January 1, 2017, we officially became 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! Click here if you'd like to donate today!
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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!
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.
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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 |
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