Michael Eastwell's Image

Michael Eastwell (UK) rescues an eastern long-necked turtle trying to cross a busy road to reach water.

Michael pulled over on a busy road to rescue this turtle, which had retreated into its shell in the middle of a lane of traffic. The slow shutter speed blurs a truck thundering past with multiple trailers.

This turtle was the first of two Michael rescued that day. Usually, he would have stood guard while the animal crossed. But this time the danger was too great and the turtle was obviously on its way to find water. He carried it to a lay-by, checked it for injuries and then released it on the dam side of the road, where it had been heading.

On one side of the road was a dried-up riverbed and on the other was a dam trapping water. Turtles and other wildlife often cross busy roads looking for water when streams and rivers dry up in the summer.

Michael hopes that his image ‘can provoke thought and conversation, possibly even inspire change. Wildlife is too often taken for granted or simply given last consideration when it comes to human activities.