Basil's Fund

In 2009 a baby snapping turtle (who we now know as Basil) was found by some children in Bennington Vermont.  Not knowing that it was illegal and potentially harmful to the turtle, they took him home and kept him as a pet.  After a couple of years they passed Basil on to someone else who kept him for another two years before turning him in at the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum.  We consulted with Vermont Fish and Wildlife, and Basil was added to our scientific collection permits to became one of our education animals. 
He was not released to the wild because Basil is completely habituated to people, he has no fear of us (he doesn't snap) and will even follow the staff around when he's out on the lawn enjoying some summer sun.  He is one of our most popular education animals and has seen tens of thousands of people in the 5 years that he has been at the Museum.
At approximately ten years old, Basil is still a very young snapping turtle.  He could live up to 100 years and could grow to be over three times his current 12 pound weight.
The 15 year-old enclosure where Basil currently lives has had some problems over the years and has a number of leaks that we just can't fix.  It is our goal to move him into a new home.  We woudl like to builda tank at least 4x6x3 feet that will hold enough water so that he can really swim.  We have already shopped around to find a company in the Northeast (we want to stay local) who can help us out for a good price.
A company in Keene, NH has agreed to build the tank and a stand with cabinets to hold all his program gear, cleaning supplies and filtration system for $5500.  Their staff is going to then donate installation and delivery.  That was the best deal that we could find and it's the one that we hope you will support.
Many people are afraid of snapping turtles.  Hundreds of snapping turtle moms are hit on New England roads each spring and summer as they try to lay their eggs and then get back to the water.  Some are hit on purpose.  By getting Basil out to meet kids and families around the region and by giving him a great home where people can come see a comfortable, relaxed snapping turtle we believe that he can do some good for his wild relatives.  Maybe some day a child will find a baby snapping turtle and bring it to the water instead of bringing it home, thanks to Basil.  Please help him achieve this goal.  We will all be very grateful for your support.
We have received over $2000 in off-line donations!  Thank You Vermont Country Store, the Marlboro Alliance, Janet Harkham and John & Mary Winn for each contributing $500! 
With another donor matching everything brought in the week before Christmas, the fundraising Goal continues to drop as we account for what they will contribute.  Support Basil now and your donation counts for double!