The community at Springfield’s Scenic Hills Elementary School is reeling from the news that their beloved African spurred tortoise, Shelly, is being evicted from the ecology center that has been his home for over two decades. The decision to close the habitat has sparked outrage, with over 2,300 people signing a petition calling for a reversal of the district’s callous decision.
Constructed in 1997, the quarter-acre ecology center has served as an outdoor classroom for students, offering hands-on science instruction and a close encounter with nature. Shelly, the 150-pound tortoise, has been a central figure in the center, teaching children about responsible pet ownership and the importance of caring for animals.
Peter Brigg, the director of teaching and learning for elementary education in Springfield, explained that the closure of the ecology center was driven by the retirement of founder Donna Storti, who had been the primary caretaker of the habitat. Despite the sentimental value of Shelly and the other animals in the center, Brigg expressed concerns about the facility’s compliance with industry standards and the safety of the school community.
Shelly, who arrived at Scenic Hills in 2000, will be relocated to Storti’s home while the school district develops a plan for a new outdoor space that requires less upkeep. The closure of the ecology center has prompted a wave of support from parents, staff, and volunteers, who are eager to take over the responsibilities to ensure the preservation of the center.
However, Brigg emphasized the challenges of sustaining the labor-intensive care required for the animals and the facility. Despite the community’s willingness to step up, he expressed concern about the impact on educational priorities if school staff were to take on the responsibility.
In response to the closure, parents have organized a peaceful protest to demonstrate their support for Shelly and the ecology center. The “Save Shelly” Facebook page has been set up to voice their concerns and mobilize efforts to preserve the center’s legacy.
While the district remains committed to creating a sustainable school environment that maintains green space at Scenic Hills, the community is still grappling with the abrupt decision to close the ecology center. The outcry from parents, staff, and volunteers underscores the deep attachment to Shelly and the educational value the center has provided over the years.