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THE RED-EARED TERRAPIN EDUCATION CENTRE “RETEC” At “SECRET WORLD”, HIGHBRIDGE, SOMERSET

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The “RETEC” was set up to help alleviate the problem of the Red-eared Terrapins as unwanted pets. It was realised that the pond at Secret World could only take a maximum of fifty or so unwanted Red-eared Terrapins, but it was hoped that as a sanctuary it would have educational value and would encourage others to start similar set-ups.

The contract for the Red-eared Terrapin Centre (RETEC) was between the two Charities, the British Chelonia Group and Secret World. The realisation of the Project took several years but finally the inauguration took place in 1997. After eight years the Centre is still thriving, its inmates looked after and regularly checked by dedicated members of staff at Secret World and the South West Region of the British Chelonia Group.

Although Secret World is no longer open to the public on a daily basis, there are “Open Days”. The next Open Days are on July 30^th and 31^st 2005. Members of the SW Region of the BCG will be present in the Greenhouse where the pond is located and if you would like to visit Secret World and the RETEC please contact Sue Gallop for further information.

email Sue, ceasarsoffice1@btinternet.com
 

Photo 1: Situated in a greenhouse, which is covered in vines and other luscious vegetation and is of generous proportions the pond is constructed as a figure of eight shape with a bridge across the middle. At its deepest it is 5', it has large koi filters and a pump moving the water around from the deep end to the shallow end and return.

A simple wooden fence with wire tacked on to the wooden slats separates the inmates from the public and the public from the pond.

There are notice boards all along the wall with the BCG message on and there is a “beach” by the side of the pond with heatlamps for the terrapins to bask under.
 

 
Photo 2: The Red-eared Terrapins enjoying the heatlamps.
 

 
Photo 3: Sue Gallop (Chairperson of the SW Region of the BCG) with a net, which is being used to lift the inmates gently from the pond for their regular medical check up and measuring session. Behind Sue the boards containing the BCG message are visible.
 

 
Photo 4: In the meantime: the water in the pond is being removed and the pond cleaned out. Alan Gallop and Pete Lawrence of the SW Region of the BCG in action (top left). Supervising: Simon Kidner of “Secret World”(top right).

Photo 5: (bottom left) The terrapins, having been returned to the pond, are investigating their clean surroundings.

Photo 6: (bottom right) A job well done! Don Freeman, the Director of the RETEC Project inspects the cleaned out pond and its inmates.