People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is lauding firefighters who rescued and revived a pet turtle named “Turtle” who became frozen inside his terrarium after a crash on Vail Pass.
PETA says a “Compassionate Fire Department Award” is on its way to the Vail Fire Department after the Sunday morning lifesaving effort.
The organization says Capt. Craig Davis used lukewarm water to thaw and revive Turtle, who was then reunited with his family.
An accident on Vail Pass ended happily when Vail firefighters returned to the scene to find a lost pet turtle.
— Vail Fire and Emergency Services (@VailFire)
“These firefighters did everything they could to ensure that every single one of this vehicle’s occupants was saved,” PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien said in a written statement. “PETA hopes their kindness and determination will inspire people everywhere to come to the aid of animals in need.”
PETA is sending Vail emergency responders a framed certificate, a box of “delicious” vegan cookies, a letter of congratulations and a copy of “The Engine 2 Diet,” a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating plant-based meals.
Eagle County Paramedic Services says after it treated people involved in the 9:30 a.m. wreck on Sunday, one of the youngest patients told paramedics he had lost his pet turtle during the crash.
“After learning a reptilian patient had been left behind, crews sprung into action to find the missing pet,” the agency said in a Facebook post. “After a brief search, Vail Fire miraculously located Turtle, now frozen solid due to the incredibly cold morning temperatures.”
First responders put Turtle in the sunshine for about 30 minutes, after which he came back to life “seemingly no worse for wear after his chilly adventure, and was reunited with his very happy owner.”
“You aren’t dead until you’re warm and dead,” the Facebook post said, quoting the old medic’s mantra.
