Staff at Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation in Hamilton Township treat many species and manage several injured turtles. They guide these reptiles through long recoveries. Janine Tancredi explains that Dr. Breaux at Dublin Vet performs their shell repairs. The team now uses ARK Vet in Chalfont during winter. She notes that they need a room devoted entirely to turtles.
Crews have begun building a dedicated clinic and ICU space for reptile care. The facility will soon avoid long transports for treatment. Workers prepare the structure to support year-round climate control. Tancredi says the space provides quiet isolation so turtles can rest and heal without other animals nearby.
Upgrades Arrive Through New Funding
Tancredi says the project costs $5,000 but requires no spending from the centre. The Help Our Wildlife Foundation covers the full cost and supplies all necessary equipment. She describes planned features, including sliding storage racks, multiple shelving units and prepared totes with tanks, heaters and UVA/UVB setups.
Rehabilitation experts report that turtle injuries surge from April through September. Many reptiles need winter-long care after accidents. Tancredi says vehicle strikes cause most injuries. Turtles often cross roads to lay eggs or return from nesting. She adds that most turtles survive collisions and still require immediate medical support.
Construction Nears Completion
Workers expect to finish the new clinic within weeks. Staff plan to move injured turtles into the improved space once crews complete heating, cooling and equipment installation. The facility will expand care capacity and reduce stressful transports for vulnerable reptiles.
