Abandoned and Disabled, ‘Grandma’ the Turtle Finds a Second Chance at Life
On a chilly December weekend, a heartbreaking scene unfolded in North Carolina. Deep inside a dumpster, surrounded by trash, an elderly turtle waited silently—hoping someone would notice her.
The turtle, affectionately named Grandma, was not just old—she was also a special needs animal, missing both her right legs. Trapped and unable to climb out, she did the only thing she could: wait and hope.
Her prayers were answered when a passerby noticed movement in the trash. Curious, they peered inside and discovered the timid turtle, tucked tightly into her shell. She had been abandoned like garbage, left to fend for herself in an environment where survival was nearly impossible.
A Shocking Discovery
When Grandma was brought to Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, staff were heartbroken by what she had endured. Despite her disability, Grandma’s gentle and affectionate nature quickly shone through.
“We were all really upset when we heard about her coming in from the trash,” said Jennifer Gordon, the rescue’s executive director. “Knowing she needed a special home because of her condition, and someone discarded her like that—it was truly heartbreaking.”
A Spirit That Refused to Be Broken
Despite her traumatic past, Grandma refused to give in to despair. With only two functioning legs, she adapted to her new surroundings with impressive determination.
“She doesn’t let her past hardships slow her down,” the rescue shared in a Facebook post. “She is incredibly friendly and sweet.”
Grandma quickly became a favorite at the rescue. She would swim eagerly to the edge of her tank to greet visitors with her big, expressive eyes. Staff and volunteers often found it hard to resist her charm—especially when she begged for treats or happily munched on fruits offered by hand.
A New Beginning
Months after arriving at the shelter, Grandma’s story took a beautiful turn. A kind-hearted woman came across her story and immediately felt a connection. Unfazed by Grandma’s disabilities, she welcomed the elderly turtle into her home, ready to provide the love and care she had always deserved.
Now, far from the cold metal walls of a dumpster, Grandma spends her golden years in comfort. She’s finally where she belongs—safe, loved, and cherished.
“She’s a senior turtle who just wants to live the good life,” the rescue wrote. “And we want that for her too.”
