When heavy rains flooded Zebadiah Wilkes’ pond, he and his young daughter, Cora, went outside to survey the damage. As they peered into the drain, they realized something was stuck inside.
At first, it looked like debris. But as they got closer, they saw it was actually someone — and not just anyone.
A snapping turtle had become wedged in the drain, unable to move.
Many people might have backed away, afraid of the turtle’s powerful jaws. But Wilkes didn’t think twice. He knew the animal would die if left trapped, and he was determined to help.
With Cora watching nervously, Wilkes got to work.
He tried everything — tugging, prying, even looping a rope around the turtle — all while carefully dodging the risk of being bitten.
“That thing’s really stuck in there,” Cora said anxiously as she filmed her dad’s efforts.
The turtle, perhaps realizing Wilkes was his only chance at freedom, stayed surprisingly calm. Finally, with one last heave, Wilkes pulled him free. The turtle shot out of the drain and landed safely on the grass — right next to Cora.
“Oh God, you could have died,” she exclaimed, begging her dad to be more careful next time.
Both rescuer and turtle were unharmed, and after catching his breath, the turtle slowly made his way back to safety.
For Wilkes, the moment was more than just a dramatic rescue. It was a reminder that even animals often seen as “scary” deserve compassion. Since that day, he’s made a habit of helping snapping turtles — even carrying them across busy roads so they won’t be hit by cars.
“They’re just as worthy of care as any other animal,” Wilkes said.
Thanks to his courage, one turtle got a second chance — and his daughter got to see what real kindness looks like in action.
