Community Alert: Beloved Ambassador Turtle

The Conestee Nature Preserve community is on high alert this week following the disappearance of one of its most cherished residents. Michelle, a juvenile Eastern box turtle and educational ambassador, was removed from her carrier during a staff-led program at the Nature Playscape last Friday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 2:00 PM while an education staff member was preparing to introduce Michelle to visitors. According to preserve officials, Michelle was secured in a “critter carrier” alongside other educational supplies. During a brief walkthrough of the area by staff, an unidentified visitor reportedly searched through the supplies, opened the carrier, and removed the turtle.

A Vulnerable Ambassador in Need of Care

The preserve team is emphasizing that Michelle is not a typical wild turtle. As a rehabilitated juvenile, she suffers from abnormal growth patterns caused by improper nutrition during her early years. Because of these health challenges, she requires a specialized diet and specific supplements to ensure she continues to grow correctly.

“Our team is devastated,” the preserve shared in a statement. “We care about Michelle and want to make sure she is safe and cared for properly. At this time, we do not know if a child took her and then released her nearby, or if a family took her home.”

The Search Continues

Since the discovery of her disappearance, staff and volunteers have been scouring the Nature Playscape and surrounding trails. The preserve is asking the public to keep an eye out for Michelle, particularly if she was released back into the wild near the Playscape area.

• Physical Description: Michelle is a juvenile Eastern box turtle. Look for signs of her distinct, albeit abnormal, shell growth patterns.

• No Questions Asked: Preserve leadership stressed that they are not seeking to punish whoever took her. Their sole priority is her safe return to the education center.

• Supervision Reminder: The preserve noted that this incident serves as a critical reminder for parents to maintain close supervision of children while enjoying the Nature Playscape.

How You Can Help

The Conestee Nature Preserve is asking anyone with information regarding Michelle’s whereabouts—no matter how small the detail—to contact them immediately.

• Phone: Call the main office at 864-277-2004.

• Online: Send a direct message via the preserve’s official social media channels.

• On-Site: If you are visiting the trails this week, please keep an eye on the ground near the Playscape and report any sightings to staff on-site.

The preserve expressed deep gratitude for the “Golden Strip” community’s outpouring of support on social media over the weekend. “We are lucky to have such a caring community invested in Conestee Nature Preserve,” the statement concluded.

As the search enters its fourth day, the hope remains that Michelle will be found and returned to the specialized care she needs to thrive.