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Misfortune, guilt and loneliness collide as a man struggles to understand his past and the daughter he never knew in a moving story about identity
Lucy PopescuSun 13 Oct 2024 11.00 BSTShareMorgan Talty, author of the short story collection Night of the Living Rez, is a quarter Penobscot. The idea for Fire Exit came while he was studying tribal Indian law, and in a recent interview he said he wanted to explore the “weird situations federal Indian law has created for Indigenous people”. He writes from experience – his wife isn’t Native, so their son cannot be enrolled in the tribe.
Talty’s narrator, Charles, grew up on the Penobscot reservation in Maine with his white mother, Louise, and Native stepfather, Frederick. Tribal rules force Charles to leave the reservation as an adult, and Frederick helps build him a house across the river from his childhood home. When Mary, Charles’s Penobscot girlfriend, falls pregnant, she leaves him and returns to the reservation. Only by claiming another Native man as the father can she ensure their child is given tribal membership.
Humorous strands are threaded through the narrative, often involving Bobby’s drunken anticsOver two decades Charles has watched his daughter, Elizabeth, from afar. While looking after Louise, who has dementia, Charles muses on her lifelong bouts of depression, and decides that Elizabeth should be told of her heritage, reasoning: “We are made of stories, and if we don’t know them – the ones that make us – how can we ever be fully realised? How can we ever be who we really are?”
Like the bad weather that periodically hits Maine, Charles is buffeted by misfortune, guilt and loneliness. He has just two friends, also outsiders: Gizos, his childhood Penobscot friend, brutally beaten by his father for being effeminate, and Bobby, the middle-aged alcoholic he meets at AA who develops an affection for Louise. Talty’s characters are richly drawn, but it is Charles who lingers with us.
His relationship with his mother and unwavering love for the daughter he doesn’t know are deeply affecting. Humorous strands are threaded through the narrative, often involving Bobby’s drunken antics. Charles is a flawed and vulnerable character, but one you can’t help rooting for throughout this humane, beautifully crafted novel.
Fire Exit by Morgan Talty is published by And Other Stories (£14.99). To support the Guardian and Observer order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply

The cookbook author’s recipe showcases ultra-crisp lettuce and sweet citrus acidity. Plus a spring combo with peas and broad beans, and a salad with blueberries and blue cheese
Get our weekend culture and lifestyle emailAlice ZaslavskyWed 16 Oct 2024 15.00 BSTLast modified on Thu 17 Oct 2024 11.14 BSTShareSurf club salad(Pictured above)
This is a particularly Aussie salad – familiar to those who spent summers doing Nippers (junior life saving) or any other kind of summery activity by the beach. Usually the orange would be slipped off to the side as a bit of a half-time hit of acidity, but I’ve incorporated it into the combo as you might in a fennel and citrus salad, which, incidentally, could totally work here too. You’ll notice that I’ve left off the olive oil until the final bits and bobs, because adding the oil too early makes for limp lettuce. Popping it on the table is not only better for endurance, it also means people are up and about, serving themselves and each other, interacting and reminiscing about summers by the beach (or, if you’re nowhere near Australia, Home and Away).
Serves 4 to 6
1 orange 1 iceberg lettuce, soaked in cold water 250g cherry tomatoes, quartered, or 250g tomatoes, cut into wedges 1 small red onion, thinly sliced ½ cup loosely packed parsley leaves, coarsely chopped½ lemon, to serveExtra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, to serve
To segment the orange, lop off the top and bottom for a steady base, then follow the line as close to the edge of the pith as possible, to unleash the flesh. Slice into each segment at a 45 degree angle (if this is your first time, don’t worry: it gets easier, like learning to dive into the waves). Reserve the orange skeleton for serving.
Drain the lettuce, remove any mangy outer leaves, trim the core flat and put the whole thing in a salad spinner. Give it a few bursts to spin-dry, then dry well by gently patting with a clean tea towel. Cut the lettuce into thin wedges, keeping the core attached.
To serve, place the lettuce wedges in a large serving bowl and tumble in the tomatoes, onion and orange segments and sprinkle with the parsley from a height. Put the lemon half, orange skeleton and a bottle of extra virgin olive oil on the table along with the salt and pepper so guests can serve themselves.
Easy peasy spring salad with parmesan vinaigretteView image in fullscreenPod culture: Alice Zaslavsky’s easy peasy spring salad with parmesan vinaigrette. Photograph: Rochelle EagleCome springtime, a version of this makes its way to our table weekly. When fresh peas and broad beans are bountiful, set aside some time to pod them yourself, or buy some prepodded. Equally, you could make this later in the season, towards cooler days, using frozen peas and broadies too. Smaller broad beans early in the season don’t need double podding; otherwise, do put the time in for the second pod, lest you serve up blister skin (yuck, sorry).
The parmesan vinaigrette is very versatile as well. Drizzle it over bitter leaves such as radicchio, or keep it as a little dipper for lightly steamed crudités.
Serves 4 to 6
200g broad beans, podded 100g peas (frozen or fresh) 100g snow peas, topped 100g sugar snap peas, topped ½ salad onion, finely sliced with the grain 100g snow pea sprouts 1 bunch watercress (about 100g), ends trimmed ¼ cup mint leaves, finely sliced ¼ cup parsley leaves, finely sliced 10g parmesan cheese, to serveCracked pepper, to serve
For the parmesan vinaigrette 2 tbsp white wine vinegar 1–2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp dijon mustard 60ml extra virgin olive oil (¼ cup)25g parmesan cheese, finely grated
To make the parmesan vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring a medium saucepan of water to the boil and tumble the podded broad beans in, then bring back to the boil for two to four minutes, depending on their size, until no longer chalky through the middle. Scoop out into a bowl and reserve.
Drop the peas into the boiling water and cook for four minutes – whether they’re fresh or frozen. Pop the snow peas and sugar snaps into a heatproof colander in the sink and pour the boiled water and peas over the top for an easy blanch. Once the broad beans are cool enough to handle, squeeze the flesh out of the skins by finding the crack and pushing towards it. Set aside.
To serve, give the vinaigrette a quick zhoosh with a fork to reincorporate. In a large bowl, toss the greens through the vinaigrette, then combine with the onion, snow pea sprouts, watercress, mint and parsley just before serving, warm or at room temperature. Grate a final puff of parmesan over and finish with cracked pepper.
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Celery and blueberry salad with maple pecans and ranch dressingView image in fullscreenIt’s nice, it’s different, it’s unusual: Alice Zaslavsky’s celery and blueberry salad with maple pecans and ranch dressing Photograph: Rochelle EagleThis salad goes all in on North American flavours, with a blue cheese ranch and maple pecans that balance out the funky, creamy saltiness. I like having garlic powder in my salad dressing arsenal, especially for creamy ones, because it cuts through anything too rich. Berries, particularly blueberries, are worth keeping in mind for adding pops of acidity, sweetness and colour into salads – sweet and savoury! Blueberries are always best served chilled.
Serves 4 to 6
1 small fennel bulb, fronds reserved 2 celery stalks 1 celery heart, yellow leaves reserved 1 small white salad onion, sliced in half ½ cup loosely packed parsley leaves, roughly chopped, reserving the stems 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 125g large blueberries
For the salted-maple pecans25g pecans (¼ cup)1 tbsp maple syrup 1 pinch salt flakes
For the blue cheese and buttermilk ranch dressing90g blue cheese 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for finishing 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 65g sour cream (¼ cup)125ml buttermilk (½ cup)¼ tsp salt flakes 1 tsp maple syrup ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper 2 tbsp finely chopped reserved parsley stems Scant ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 2 tbsp finely chopped chives, plus extra for garnish
Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan.
Finely shave the fennel, celery stalks, celery heart and onion with a mandolin, keeping with the shape of the fennel and the onion, and shaving the celery on the diagonal. Pop into a salad spinner with the celery leaves, fennel fronds, parsley and plenty of cold water with a splash of apple cider vinegar and place in the fridge while you make the dressing and salted-maple pecans.
To make the salted-maple pecans, line a small baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, toss pecans together with the maple syrup and a pinch of salt flakes and spread on to the baking tray. Toast in the oven for five minutes, keeping an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn. Remove and set aside to cool and crisp up.
To make the dressing, put all the ingredients except the chives into a small blender and blitz until smooth. Fold in the chives and set aside.
Just before serving, halve the blueberries horizontally to reveal the tiny star inside. Drain and spin the veg in a salad spinner. To make the vegetables super dry and dressing ready, scatter the veg across a clean tea towel, roll it up and gently pat.
View image in fullscreenTumble the veg and blueberries together into a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle with the dressing (if you have extra, reserve in a jug for serving), scatter with salted-maple pecans and extra chives, and finish with a flourish of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt flakes and freshly cracked pepper.
This is an edited extract from Salad for Days by Alice Zaslavsky, photography by Rochelle Eagle. Available now through Murdoch Books (A$45)
Alice Zaslavsky’s new series, A Bite To Eat with Alice, premieres Monday 28 October at 6pm on ABC TV and ABC iview

On the evening of October 17, the 23rd Shanghai International Arts Festival kicked off with the debut of the new dance drama “Li Qingzhao” at Shanghai Cultural Square. This performance illuminates the spirit of the iconic Song Dynasty poetess, showcasing the rich cultural backdrop of her era.

The original dance drama, produced by the Shanghai Song and Dance Troupe, continues their impressive journey following earlier works like “The Altar of the Phoenix” and “Eternal Waves.” Through dance and artistic expression, “Li Qingzhao” delves deep into the poetess’s reflections on life, capturing the essence of her poetry. The portrayal of Li Qingzhao is both gentle and resolute, embodying her role as an independent woman and intellectual, keenly aware of her responsibilities to society and her times.

The stage design of “Li Qingzhao” draws inspiration from the aesthetic principles of the Song Dynasty, incorporating elements like Ru porcelain’s serene celadon hues, incense burning, tea tasting, flower arranging, and hanging paintings to reflect a lifestyle rich in beauty. The seamless scene transitions unfold without dark stages, flowing continually like a silk scroll, creating a visual representation of Song Dynasty art.

According to Yu Rongjun, the playwright and screenwriter of “Li Qingzhao,” she is celebrated as “the greatest female talent throughout history,” with her character embodying “the clarity after the rain” and a spirit that is “like jade, though better than jade.” He explained, “We tell her tumultuous life story through the medium of a national dance drama, allowing the audience to explore her inner world and her scholarly achievements in editing classical texts.”

Wang Yan, the producer and head of the Shanghai Song and Dance Troupe, highlighted the production’s aim to translate Li Qingzhao’s poetic emotions and profound understanding of her national sentiments into a stunning theatrical presentation. He hopes her story will inspire contemporary audiences to remain resilient and courageous in the face of challenges, using their talents and wisdom to make an impact on the world.

As one of the most influential arts festivals in the Asia-Pacific region, the 23rd Shanghai International Arts Festival will feature nearly a thousand events, with around 5,000 artists from over 80 countries and regions participating. The festival will culminate on November 17 with a concert led by Tugan Sokhiev and Zhang Haochen with the Munich Philharmonic, showcasing an impressive array of performances and premieres.

Chyanne Chen, a candidate for the city council in District 11 representing the Asian community, recently hosted a community event in collaboration with the American Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and local small businesses. The event featured free traditional Chinese medical consultations and a Tai Chi performance, leading to some unexpected highlights.

Among the attendees was Jacky Zhen, a local resident who made a special trip to cast his crucial vote at a nearby ballot box. He praised Chen for her dedication to the community over the past twenty years, stating, “She is truly the best candidate for the city council in District 11.”

The event held on the morning of October 19 saw dozens of residents participating. Accompanied by music, attendees followed instructors in performing Tai Chi moves, including “White Crane Spreads Its Wings” and “Brush Knee Stride.” Afterwards, participants enjoyed complimentary massages from licensed Chinese medicine practitioners. Rosario Cervantes, a local citizen, expressed her thoughts on experiencing Chinese massage for the first time, describing it as relaxing. She noted, “After working every day, my shoulders need some adjustment.” Cervantes also shared her concerns regarding public safety and housing, commending Chen’s years of service and extensive experience in the community.

Another attendee, Jin, emphasized her concerns about road safety and cleanliness. She pointed out that some street trees have grown tall enough to obscure signage, posing safety risks. Additionally, she mentioned a decrease in the number of garbage bins on certain streets, leading to illegal dumping. Chen responded, noting that she has reported severe illegal dumping issues on Ocean Street by calling 311.

Jacky Zhen, who has lived in District 11 for many years, arrived early that day, participating in the event alongside Chen before casting his critical vote. He encouraged the Asian community to ensure their voices are heard by voting before the November 5 election. “Chyanne Chen has been deeply rooted in the community for over twenty years, participating in various unions and community activities to advocate for Asian rights. We must support her with our votes,” he stated.

Chen, who immigrated from Guangzhou at the age of 15, became actively involved in the community through the Community Youth Center’s dragon boat team and held significant roles in the SEIU-UHW healthcare workers union. She is also a founding member and former national director of the United Chinese Alliance (UCA). Reflecting on her immigration journey, she expressed gratitude for the support she received and her desire to give back by fostering a strong community and a favorable environment for business and living. The recent event aimed to promote Tai Chi and traditional Chinese medicine while fostering cross-cultural exchange and supporting local small businesses.

Chen’s campaign platform includes a multifaceted approach to enhance public safety by focusing on treatment and prevention strategies, addressing the drug crisis and homelessness. She advocates for increasing law enforcement efforts to combat crime and expanding resources in employment, education, mental health services, and healthcare to ensure residents feel secure and thrive in their neighborhoods.

As fall approaches, the air fills with the festive spirit of pumpkin season across the United States. People stroll through streets adorned with whimsical jack-o’-lanterns and catch whiffs of pumpkin-spiced delights wafting from cafés and bakeries. But nothing compares to the joy of witnessing ripe pumpkins gleaming in the sunlight, celebrating nature’s bounty. Here are three prime destinations to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors and pumpkin festivities in New York.

**New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)**
This fall, the New York Botanical Garden transforms into the city’s pumpkin headquarters, featuring a stunning array of pumpkins, gourds, and autumn blooms. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere of harvest season. The garden hosts a range of activities, from pumpkin carving competitions to enchanting light pathways, not to mention the immensely popular beer-tasting events that amplify the charm of the season.

On select nights, families can stroll through a beautifully lit pathway, encouraging children and adults alike to don their Halloween costumes as they enjoy an unforgettable fall outing amid breathtaking seasonal landscapes.

In addition to the rich activities, the NYBG serves as a picturesque backdrop for capturing fall memories. With hundreds of pumpkins in various shapes, sizes, and colors placed around, it offers endless opportunities for photo ops. Whether you’re taking family portraits or snapping fun pictures with friends, this venue promises to be an ideal setting for your autumn snapshots.

The garden is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, and also welcomes visitors on federal holiday Mondays. Located at 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458-5126. For more details, visit nybg.org.

**Hank’s PumpkinTown**
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the fall scenery, experience pumpkin picking, and escape the bustle of city life, Hank’s PumpkinTown on Long Island is the perfect choice.

Covering over 30 acres, Hank’s is a vibrant farm sanctuary that transforms into a colorful harvest paradise each autumn, attracting visitors from all around. One of the most popular activities is pumpkin picking, where guests can select their favorite pumpkin straight from the patch—ideal for decorating, baking, or crafting jack-o’-lanterns. With prices starting at just $0.79 per pound, it’s easy to bring home a piece of autumn magic without breaking the bank.

Beyond pumpkin picking, Hank’s offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy hayrides through pumpkin and cornfields, taking in the spectacular pastoral views while learning about the farm’s harvest stories. Families looking for a fun challenge can explore the corn maze, making it a thrilling adventure for kids and adults alike.

On weekends and holidays, guests can indulge in traditional fall treats, from apple cider and doughnuts to caramel apples, ensuring a delightful sensory experience of autumn’s bounty.

The farm is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, located at 240 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976. For more ticket information and details, check out hankspumpkintown.com.

**Queens County Farm Museum**
Every October, the Queens County Farm Museum becomes a celebrated hotspot in New York City, thanks to its picturesque pumpkin fields. This farm is not just a pumpkin-picking destination; it boasts over 300 years of rich agricultural heritage. Since 1697, this land has been continuously cultivated, making it one of the oldest farms in New York.

Visitors can wander through the expansive 47 acres of farmland, immersing themselves in the area’s historical significance and unique autumn allure. Each field and pasture tells a story, inspiring both visual and emotional connections to the past. Additionally, interaction with animals is another highlight of the farm, where visitors can purchase hay to feed the sheep.

This month, admission for activities at the Queens County Farm is free. Regular hours are Monday to Friday, 12 PM to 4:30 PM, and weekends and holidays from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, with some days requiring specific tickets. For more information, visit queensfarm.org.

Lagos Free Zone, the first privately-owned free zone in Nigeria, is positioned to support German businesses with their growth journey in Nigeria and across the West African region.
The Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, disclosed this while delivering her goodwill remarks at the 11th edition of the German Nigerian Business Forum (GNBF) titled, “Building Effective Partnership for Successful Business Development,” held in Lagos on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Ladoja stated that Lagos Free Zone provides a comprehensive ecosystem for businesses to maximise opportunities with minimal risk. According to her, it remains the only free zone in Nigeria that is integrated with a deep sea port and equipped with world-class infrastructure and facilities that can help businesses thrive.
“By establishing operations in the Free Zone, BASF enhances its competitive edge while aligning perfectly with Nigeria’s ambitions for industrialisation and economic diversification,” she said.
She went on encourage prospective investors to see Nigeria not merely as a market, but as a strategic launch pad for their next phase of growth.
Describing Tolaram, Lagos Free Zone’s parent company, as one of the early movers in Nigeria, the CEO of Lagos Free Zone explained that the conglomerate has unlocked a lot of growth opportunities in Nigeria’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors with twenty successful consumer brands and two transformational infrastructure projects already in place.
Noting that factors such as local presence and localised value chain, long-term commitment, and empowered management were key to investors and businesses thriving in the Nigerian market, she advised investors to stop seeing Nigeria solely as a trade or export destination, but a place to develop a strong local presence and a stronger supply chain to manage input and output logistics to enable sustainable success.
Citing the example of Tolaram, which has 20,000 employees in Nigeria, with each business unit authorised to make decisions independently, she emphasised the need for businesses to be run by empowered management, stating that doing so would enable the team to respond to the evolving dynamics of the market.
“Investing in Nigeria is not simply about tapping into a market or making quick gains. It is about forging a long-term partnership for creating immense mutual value,” she added.

Israel airstrikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut shortly after a military spokesperson warned people to evacuate the area on Saturday. The airstrike shook parts of the area of Dahiyeh and caused a thick smoke of dust
Middle East crisis – live updates
Source: AP/ReutersSat 19 Oct 2024 11.42 EDTShare

On October 14, the Beijing People’s Art Theatre kicked off its Shanghai residency with a performance of the much-acclaimed play “Teahouse” at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Opera House. This marks the beginning of a month-long engagement in Shanghai, featuring five exemplary works: “Teahouse,” “The Mutiny,” “Sunrise,” “Du Fu,” and “Under the Red Flag.”

“Teahouse,” a classic by Lao She, has been lauded as a “miracle on the Oriental stage.” Since its debut at the Capital Theatre in 1958, it has enjoyed over 60 years of performances by the Beijing People’s Art Theatre. Set against the backdrop of the “Lao Yutai” teahouse, the play explores the joys and sorrows of various characters, providing insight into nearly half a century of social change. The current performance features prominent actors such as Liang Guanhua and Pu Cunxin, showcasing the enduring vitality of “Teahouse” today.

The play “The Mutiny,” adapted from Herman Wouk’s novel “The Caine Mutiny,” is another highlight of the Beijing People’s Art Theatre’s repertoire. Recognized as a “textbook” and “touchstone” for theatre, it recreates an authentic courtroom drama where all characters—including lawyers, plaintiffs, defendants, jurors, and witnesses—take turns in a riveting debate. The exchange of sharp dialogue and layered courtroom questioning immerses the audience in a tense atmosphere.

In 2021, director Feng Yuanzheng’s new adaptation of “Sunrise” injected fresh energy into this classic work, originally created over 80 years ago. With a youthful cast and innovative stage techniques incorporating digital imagery, the production offers a dialogue between tradition and modernity, expanding the narrative’s scope.

“Du Fu,” renowned for its classical beauty, poetic narrative style, and deep cultural significance, has resonated with audiences. Centered on the real-life experiences and emotional struggles of the “Poet Sage,” the play paints a profound portrait of Du Fu, revealing the inner turmoil and noble spirit that marked his life while bringing the essence of his poetry to the stage.

“Under the Red Flag” presents a fresh interpretation of Lao She’s final works, narrated from his perspective. It vividly captures the character of late Qing Dynasty Beijing, illustrating the shifts of an era while inviting viewers to discern the bittersweet humor and empathy woven into Lao She’s writing.

“The Beijing People’s Art Theatre’s performances in Shanghai carry a legacy. In 1988, our debut here made significant waves,” said Feng Yuanzheng, the theatre’s director. He explained that the lineup for the Shanghai residency is both historically significant and forward-looking. “Both ‘Teahouse’ and ‘The Mutiny’ were performed by the previous generation of actors in 1988; now, a new generation takes the stage. ‘Sunrise’ showcases the emerging talent of Beijing People’s Art Theatre, while ‘Du Fu’ represents innovative approaches to historical dramas, and ‘Under the Red Flag’ marks a revival of this unique Beijing-style theatre after 70 years. The selection of these five plays reflects our current generation’s commitment to presenting classics.”

On October 12, a report from China News Service stated that drinking weak alkaline water does not directly alter the body’s pH levels. Foods are categorized as acid-forming or alkaline-forming based on the chemical nature of their ash residues after combustion. Acid-forming foods are rich in elements like phosphorus, sulfur, and chlorine, while alkaline-forming foods contain higher amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This classification mainly reflects the chemical composition of the foods rather than their direct effect on the body’s acidity or alkalinity.

Once food is consumed, it undergoes processes of digestion, absorption, and metabolism, resulting in the production of various metabolic byproducts that can affect pH levels. However, the human body has a robust mechanism for regulating acid-base balance, which automatically maintains stable blood pH levels. It’s important to note that acid-base balance is the result of the combined effects of various metabolic products, rather than something that can be significantly altered by any single food.

Wan Yee Ng was arrested in June with a bag of 29 turtles as she prepared to paddle across Lake Wallace, affidavit says
Eric BergerMon 14 Oct 2024 13.44 EDTLast modified on Tue 15 Oct 2024 08.36 EDTShareA woman who wanted to smuggle turtles across a lake and into Canada by hiding the creatures using socks in a duffle bag has pleaded guilty to a smuggling charge.
Wan Yee Ng was arrested in June in Vermont as she was about to enter an inflatable kayak with the bag of 29 eastern box turtles and paddle across Lake Wallace to the border with Canada, according to an affidavit filed in federal court.
Eastern box turtles are a protected species and have vivid, orange and yellow markings atop a dark brown shell. They are sold on the black market in China for $1,000, the Associated Press reported.
Ng pleaded guilty to a single count of attempting to smuggle eastern box turtles and faces up to 10 years in prison and as much as a $250,000 fine.
On 26 June, as Ng prepared to enter the kayak in Vermont, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police notified border patrol agents that two other individuals had launched an inflatable watercraft on the Canadian side of the lake. The two turned out to be Ng’s husband and another person.
Lake Wallace is an international body of water that has been used for human and narcotic smuggling.
The federal government has arrested a number of people over the last year for allegedly trying to smuggle the turtles to China.
In March, a grand jury indicted a man from Hong Kong who had allegedly mislabeled packages containing 40 protected turtles as containing almonds and chocolate cookies, an affidavit states.
The Turtle Survival Alliance, a conservation organization, describes the turtle as “vulnerable” because of habitat destruction and fragmentation; road and railroad mortality; disease transmission; and collection for personal use and the illegal pet trade.