Img 1476 #Tuscaloosa, #Wildlife — That Turtle Place, Coker, AL (Ella Seaton / The Bama Buzz)

Off a quiet stretch of dirt road on the outskirts of Tuscaloosa County, dozens of turtles and tortoises splash in ponds and bask in the sun on the property of RJ and Jessica Bigham.

Established in 2017, the Bighams have created a safe haven for wildlife + an educational experience for visitors.

RJ and Jessica Bigham’s Mission

Sign Es #Tuscaloosa, #Wildlife — That Turtle Place, Coker, AL (Ella Seaton / The Bama Buzz)

The project began as a response to an influx of surrendered turtles + tortoises.

“About 95% of our turtles here are ex-pets or surrenders.”
RJ Bigham

The Bighams have made it their mission to educate their visitors in what RJ Bigham calls “the principles of responsible pet ownership.”

Variety of turtles at the sanctuary

Img 1501 #Tuscaloosa, #Wildlife — That Turtle Place, Coker, AL (Ella Seaton / The Bama Buzz)

Spanning right around two acres, the sanctuary was hand-built by the Bigham family + is home to over 100 turtles and tortoises.

Every detail of the facility is designed with animals’ best interests in mind. The Bigham’s have prioritized providing quality care for their rescues and pets while keeping admission accessible to the general public.

“Nothing is more important to a turtle of tortoise than sunlight,” RJ Bigham said. The enclosures are designed to mimic natural habitats as close as possible.

With such a wide variety of species occupying the sanctuary, That Turtle Place has expanded drastically since its establishment, including both aquatic + land enclosures.

One of RJ Bighams’ favorite turtles on the property is the red-eared slider. “These guys are cool because they turn black as the age,” RJ Bigham said.