Preserving a newly dead turtle for exhibit

[mflossem]

  We lost our baby painted turtle today and it has been traumatic.  Is there someone that can give us advice as to how to preserve it and put it in a natural setting?  We raised it from a hatchling this spring, and it is still small, but intact.  Thanks in advance.

[Evelyn Billington (Superpig)]

Sorry about the loss of your pet turtle. I would suggest to get it freeze dried due to its size. For now though, you need to get the turtle into the freezer in a zip lock bag so it doesn't spoil on you. Make sure you squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. In the meantime you can research some good freeze dry services who have experience with reptiles and turtles.