Each year, the Wildlife Center cares for dozens of aquatic turtles injured by human activities, including vehicle collisions and entanglement in fishing gear. These patients represent an average of ten different species from across Virginia. Many of these turtles require advanced veterinary treatment and lengthy recoveries, remaining in our hospital for many months before they can safely be released.

During the past decade, annual aquatic turtle admissions to the Wildlife Center have tripled, driven by a rise in injured animals as well as confiscations from the illegal wildlife trade - a trend that underscores the growing conservation challenges these species face. As admissions continue to climb, they place increasing demands on hospital space and resources.

As the need for long-term aquatic turtle housing continues to grow, this year's Paddle Raise will help fund a new heated aquatic turtle greenhouse, creating dedicated space specifically designed for these patients. The project will strengthen the capacity of the entire hospital-freeing valuable treatment and housing space for other wildlife, improving the efficiency of daily operations, and ensuring the Wildlife Center is prepared to meet the needs of future patients.

Paddle Raise gifts will help fund the greenhouse, essential electrical and site infrastructure, specialized aquatic turtle enclosures and care equipment, and the medical care and husbandry supplies needed to help patients recover.