After CSU volunteer program ends, students allege turtle neglect; University denies claims
Where’s Bruno?
A red-eared slider turtle that once drew crowds during Colorado State University’s corpse flower bloom is now at the center of a dispute between student advocates and the university. Students allege that the turtle—known as “Mr. Turtle” or “Bruno”—was neglected after CSU ended its volunteer program, then sent to the Colorado Gator Farm in Mosca, Colorado. They say his welfare remains uncertain. CSU denies the claims, stating that the turtle was consistently cared for and relocated to a larger, certified habitat.
Background
According to student advocate Jennifer Litzau, Organizational Advisor for Rams Organizing for Animal Rights (ROAR), Bruno lived in CSU’s Plant Growth Facilities for several years. He became a beloved presence for students and visitors. Volunteers helped maintain his pond, cleaned filters, and ensured feeding routines multiple times each week.
Litzau says the turtle’s care changed drastically when the volunteer program was canceled in 2024. “The low water and filthy water conditions were the first obvious neglect concerns,” she said. “Students started noticing he was showing small signs of weight loss… Often, it looked like he was forgotten about.”
Students filed complaints with CSU Student Affairs and contacted NOCO Humane, alleging that Bruno was left in unclean water for extended periods. Photos shared with animal-welfare groups appear to show murky conditions and low pond levels.
CSU’s Response
Colorado State University denies the allegations of neglect.
“Bruno came to live at a horticulture building at CSU over a decade ago in an unofficial capacity,” said Dell Rae, CSU’s Director of Issues Management. “During that time, he was well cared for by numerous faculty and staff and for a brief time by student volunteers. At all times he enjoyed access to water (for drinking as well as for enrichment), food and an environment that included a pond, rocks, plants and other appropriate habitat. After a veterinary exam that verified he was in general good health, staff in charge of the plant facility relocated Bruno to Colorado Gator Farm, a federally certified and inspected facility, so that he could enjoy a significantly larger indoor/outdoor space that provides him with the companionship of other turtles of his species as well as a 1,500 square foot pond in an enclosure for turtles only, separate from other reptiles.”
Litzau’s Reply
Litzau disputes the university’s timeline and characterization…