07/18/2026
Peanut is a red eared slider turtle who became trapped inside a discarded plastic six pack ring when she was very young. As she continued growing, the ring tightened around her body and permanently forced her shell into its unusual figure eight shape. She was rescued in Missouri in 1993 and the plastic was removed, but the damage to her shell and internal organs could not be reversed. 🐢
Now cared for by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Peanut has become a powerful symbol of how litter can harm wildlife for life. She turned 41 in 2025 and continues helping educate people about disposing of rubbish responsibly. Her story is a simple reminder to cut every loop before throwing plastic rings away and always put litter in the bin. ♻️💚
