Western Painted Turtle

The 2024 Collaboration with Wildlife Preservation Canada

In a collaboration to bring awareness to Canada’s species at risk, Wildlife Preservation Canada and signature member of Artists for Conservation Sarah McComb Turbitt created a challenge for Sarah to paint as many endangered Canadian species as she can during January 2024. In this collection, 15% will be donated to WPC. WPC saves critically endangered species whose numbers in the wild are so low that hands-on action is the last defence to save them from extinction. WPC is the only organization in Canada to provide this critical need for wildlife in recovery efforts across the country, from the single population of endangered frogs in BC to the disappearing pollinators across Ontario.

“The western painted turtle can live to well over 50 years old — if they can get through their infancy. With no shortage of hungry predators and no care from their parents, once they have hatched, few young turtles survive to become adults. Unfortunately, humans aren’t making survival any easier, as urban development and other activities encroach on this species’ habitat. In the wetlands of B.C.’s Fraser Valley, western-painted turtles face many challenges, especially as eggs and tiny hatchlings. Since 2012, we’ve been working to improve those odds. In addition to protecting nests, we collect eggs from vulnerable turtle nests, artificially incubate them, and head-start new hatchlings before releasing them back into the wild.” Learn more about how you can help at wildlifepreservation.ca.

Reference photography for inspiration was kindly provided by Ashlee Marie.

All original artwork is hand-signed by Sarah McComb-Turbitt and includes a certificate of authenticity and white cotton gloves for handling the painting upon delivery.