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.
See below for list of alternate numbers/locations for turtle emergencies. 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. |
Wait!
Before you pick up a turtle you think needs help, and before you contact us or another rescue ... please read over the information found on our Found A Turtle? page. Not every turtle is truly in need of being rescued. IF you do pick up a turtle, please, please, please take note of the location where you found it. This is critical information for us and any other rescue if the turtle is able to be released once rehabilitated.
We have also put together a contact registry for Veterinarians and Wildlife Rescues located in Mississippi.
When in doubt ... Contact Us!
We have also put together a contact registry for Veterinarians and Wildlife Rescues located in Mississippi.
When in doubt ... Contact Us!
Our Turtle Rescue
Central Mississippi Turtle Rescue
Post Office Box 1374
Florence, MS 39073
Email: turtlerescuems@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/centralmsturtlerescue
Please read: Turtle Emergencies for what to do if you have an injured turtle or tortoise.
For turtle emergencies, please call:
North Mississippi
CMTR Northern Region - 662-812-7945
Missisippi Wildlife Rehab - 662-612-6455
South Mississippi
Wild at Heart Rescue - 228-669-7907
Post Office Box 1374
Florence, MS 39073
Email: turtlerescuems@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/centralmsturtlerescue
Please read: Turtle Emergencies for what to do if you have an injured turtle or tortoise.
For turtle emergencies, please call:
North Mississippi
CMTR Northern Region - 662-812-7945
Missisippi Wildlife Rehab - 662-612-6455
South Mississippi
Wild at Heart Rescue - 228-669-7907
*The map below is left intentionally vague. We are not open to the public, nor do we accept dropped-off turtles. (If a turtle is dropped off while we're not home, the temperatures, weather, insects, or even predators near our home could be dangerous or fatal for any turtles that are just left there. This map is simply for those who may not know where Florence is within Mississippi. If you need to bring us a turtle, call first and we will share the exact address and instructions.

If you are unable to contact us, or if you are not in the central Mississippi area, Animal Help Now is a fantastic resource for finding wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians across the United States. There is also an accompanying app for both iOS and Android.