Red -ear slider, release

Question
Hello Mark,
I have 3 red-ear sliders at home they are 4 inches or so i want to release them so they could live freely and enjoy their lives.  I really don't want to give them away to someone else or any zoo.  would you recommend a small pond or little river?  Can you give me your opinion or recommendations.

Thanks in advance  
Aijan  

Answer
I applaud your interest in this, but it presents some logistical challenges. As a rule of thumb, we do not suggest releasing captive animals if they have been captive for more than 8 months, or are released more than a mile from home.

If yours have been raised in a tank, they will not do real well in the wild, and there is a very real risk that any diseases they picked up can be spread to a wild population.

Also- I do not know where in the world you are- if it is the right territory for this species or not. These turtles have already caused problems in non-native habitats by chasing out native species- so we want to watch for this as well.

In order to minimize the problems and risks of a captive release, my recommendation would be a pond or slow creek surrounded by people- park, drainage ditch, farm pond, etc.

Good luck!