Help Save Freestone Park's Beloved Ducks & Turtles

The ducks and turtles at Freestone Park have spent years bringing joy to our community. Today, they're depending on that community to save them.

For generations, Freestone Park has been a place where families gather to make memories—feeding the ducks, watching turtles bask in the Arizona sunshine, and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the lake. These animals have become part of what makes Freestone Park so special, bringing joy to thousands of visitors every year.

Today, they need our help.

As the lake renovation project begins and the water is drained, the animals living in and around the lake must be removed for their safety. While wild ducks can simply fly to another water source, the park's domestic ducks cannot. Having been abandoned at the park over the years, they depend on people for their survival.

The park is also home to numerous non-native red-eared slider turtles. These turtles didn't choose to be here. Many began life as someone's pet before being abandoned in the lake when they became too large or difficult to care for. Now they face the consequences of a decision they never made. Because they are a non-native species, they cannot legally be released into another waterway. While 50 of these turtles are funded for rescue and placement effort, the remaining turtles are expected to be euthanized instead of being given the opportunity to live in qualified rescue or sanctuary care.

East valley wildlife and Crystals Critter Haven, are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to changing that outcome.

Our experienced team is prepared to safely rescue the domestic ducks and remaining red-eared slider turtles, provide transportation, veterinary care, food, and temporary housing, and place them in safe, appropriate care while the lake renovation is underway. Every animal we can save is a life preserved because our community chose compassion.

Unfortunately, no extra public funding has been provided for this rescue effort, leaving it entirely up to caring community members to make it possible.

If your family has ever stopped to feed the personable ducks, delighted in the sweetness of ducklings paddling behind their mothers, or wondered at the turtles basking in the warm sun, then you've experienced the simple moments that have made Freestone Park a beloved destination for generations. These animals aren't just part of the scenery—they're the heartbeat of the park.

Now they are depending on us.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward rescuing, transporting, feeding, housing, and caring for these animals. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, eligible donations to East Valley wildlife and Crystal's Critters Haven & Rescue are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

If you can't donate today, you can still make a difference by sharing this fundraiser with your friends, neighbors, and family.

This isn't just about rescuing ducks and turtles—it's about showing what kind of community Gilbert is. When animals that have become part of our park, our memories, and our families' traditions need help, we come together to protect them.

Please help us save Freestone Park's beloved ducks and turtles. Every donation gives these animals a second chance and shows that compassion is one of the things that makes our community truly special.