Rockalina the turtle has experienced a remarkable transformation over the past year. Initially discovered in February, wildlife rescuers doubted her survival chances due to various issues like ingrown nails, deformities, and deteriorating skin after nearly five decades of residing on a kitchen floor in New Jersey.
Fast forward 11 months, Rockalina is now flourishing at a wildlife sanctuary, basking in the sun and relishing a diet of worms and berries. Notably, she has been introduced to a companion of her species for the first time since her capture in 1977 – a young turtle named Pebble.
Chris Leone, Rockalina’s caregiver and the founder of Garden State Tortoise, recounted the initial encounter with Rockalina. An individual reached out for assistance following the passing of her husband’s relatives, who had been caring for the turtle in their home. The turtle, accustomed to a domestic setting and primarily fed cat food, was found by the couple’s son in 1977 and eventually ended up in their care.
Leone emphasized that eastern box turtles like Rockalina are not suited for indoor environments, requiring forest habitats with ample tree cover, humidity, and ponds. The unnatural kitchen floor setting had led to severe physical deformities in Rockalina, with her claws growing in reverse directions and causing significant discomfort.
Despite the challenging start, Rockalina’s journey to recovery has been documented by Garden State Tortoise on YouTube, garnering considerable support from viewers. Given her progress, the decision was made to introduce Pebble, a newly hatched turtle companion, to provide social interaction vital for Rockalina’s well-being.
During their initial interactions, Rockalina and Pebble displayed curiosity and interest in each other, indicating a positive rapport. While advocating against the removal of turtles from their natural habitats, Leone acknowledged that Rockalina’s circumstances prevent her return to the wild. The sanctuary staff are dedicated to ensuring Rockalina’s happiness and well-being for potentially many more years to come.