Meet Bunkle, the undisputed King of the Sanctuary. His story began over 35 years ago with a call about a wandering Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina). Little did we know this fearless explorer would become a global symbol for his species and the face of World Turtle Day®.
A Masterpiece of Evolution Bunkle is a walking lesson in anatomy. As an Eastern Box Turtle, he possesses a hinged plastron (bottom shell). This isn’t just a shell; it’s a high-tech security system. It allows him to pull his head and limbs in and “close up shop” so tightly that a predator can’t even get a claw in.
The Relocation Danger If a well-meaning person moves a turtle like Bunkle “somewhere safer” miles away, that turtle will spend the rest of its life wandering aimlessly, trying to find its original home. They stop eating, stop mating, and often perish in the attempt to find their way back.
Susan’s Pro-Tip: “If you see a ‘Bunkle’ in the road, help him across—but always in the direction he was already facing. He’s on a mission, and if you turn him around, he’ll just risk his life to cross that road again.”
🐢 A Quick Note from our team:
While many of the stories, photos, and life-saving care tips found in our Resource Hub were born during our 35 years at our Malibu, California sanctuary, please note that as of late 2025, American Tortoise Rescue no longer operates a physical sanctuary location.
Don’t worry—the mission hasn’t skipped a beat! Our beloved resident “shellebrities” are enjoying their golden years at Turtle and Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande up the coast, and our work has shifted entirely to global advocacy, education, and shellebration. While we no longer take in new surrenders at a physical site, we are more dedicated than ever to helping you “shellebrate” and protect turtles in your own backyard!
A global movement by American Tortoise Rescue® dedicated to protecting turtles and tortoises and their habitats around the world.
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