Meet Pablo, an eastern painted turtle with a bright personality and a story that reminds us why wild animals belong in the wild. Taken from his natural habitat as a baby, Pablo was kept as a pet and eventually abandoned. Because he grew up in captivity, he never learned how to survive on his own and cannot be released into the wild.

In 2013, Pablo found his forever home at Earthplace. His habitat is perfectly tailored to his freshwater lifestyle, where he spends his days swimming laps, exploring, and basking in his favorite spot while watching passers-by.

As an omnivore, Pablo enjoys a diverse diet, and he lives life at his own pace. Painted turtles can live between 30 and 50 years, meaning Pablo has a long, bright future ahead of him as an educator. Sponsoring Pablo helps support his daily nutrition, specialized veterinary care, habitat upkeep, and enrichment. He is a wonderful ambassador for his species, teaching visitors the importance of keeping wild turtles wild.