With the release of the new children's favourite 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles', kids everywhere can't wait to watch their favourite talking turtles in action.

Parenting on Female First

Parenting on Female First

However, as the hype around the movie gets children giddy, children's charity PETA are concerned that it may affect real turtles.

PETA have warned parents not to allow the adaption from the TV favourite get caught up in the fad of buying real-life versions of the celluloid stars.

The fictional stars of the new 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' movie may be able to survive an attack from The Shredder's Foot Clan, but real turtles can't, which is why PETA is telling fans that the last thing they should do is rush out and buy a turtle after the film's release this week.

Invariably, after the release of movies or TV shows featuring animals (even animated ones), people get caught up in the fad of buying real-life versions of the celluloid stars.

Despite the movie's anti-captivity message, sales of clownfish soared after the release of ' Finding Nemo', as did sales of owls in the wake of the ' Harry Potter' movies. Later, after realising that it's difficult to make a lifetime commitment to an animal purchased on impulse, many buyers either ignore their briefly cherished companions or abandon them.

PETA's Kirsty Henderson said: "From abusive dealers, breeders and smugglers to guardians who have no idea how to care for an exotic animal properly, buying a turtle is a bad idea from start to finish.

"We can all be heroes to turtles by refusing to support the cruel exotic-'pet' trade."

Turtles and other reptiles sold in pet shops are either caught in the wild (potentially damaging fragile ecosystems) or bred in cramped, filthy breeding mills. The animals are often drugged and stuffed into suitcases so that they can be illegally smuggled across borders. Many do not survive the journey, and those who do usually arrive in poor health.

Turtles are perceived as requiring minimal care, but they have very specific needs, including controlled temperatures, enough water to swim in, a large housing area and a varied diet. Many exotic animals die within a year of purchase because of improper care, but if properly cared for, a turtle may live for 25 years or longer, requiring a serious commitment of time and resources.


by for www.femalefirst.co.uk