Girl’s beloved pet turtle dies so her family do the obvious thing and have him stuffed

When it comes to the loss of a beloved pet, some people find comfort in keeping their pet’s memory alive through taxidermy. This practice, however, is controversial and often divided—while some view it as a meaningful way to preserve a bond with their pet, others find it unsettling or morbid. A TikTok video by user @katieparkker brought this debate into the spotlight when she showed off her late pet turtle, Phil, transformed into a paperweight by her parents.

In the amusing yet alarming video, Katie swings Phil’s stuffed body around like a frisbee, seemingly in disbelief of her family’s decision. Her caption, “When you turtle d*es so your family stuffs him,” paired with the phrase “Phil will be missed i guess,” hints that Katie is still processing her turtle’s taxidermy fate. The humorous tone masks a deeper, somewhat unsettling sentiment as she showcases Phil’s starched remains.

This unconventional form of memorialization sparked plenty of questions from viewers, including how one even goes about taxiderming a turtle, with many people expressing confusion or discomfort. Some questioned why Phil had died in the first place, given that turtles are known for their long lifespans.

The video also reignited broader discussions about taxidermy, with many viewers voicing discomfort. Some felt it was disrespectful to keep animals in such a way, suggesting that they should be allowed to rest in peace. Others shared their personal experiences, claiming that they were traumatized by having a pet preserved without their consent.

Meanwhile, others in the comments tried to lighten the mood with humorous responses, such as “Yeah gang, he’s just taking a silent and long nap,” and “Let’s just say he’s feeling stuffed.” The more pressing question raised by some, though, was, “How do you know when your turtle is dead?” PangoVet offers some guidance: when a turtle’s head and limbs hang limp outside its shell and it no longer responds to stimuli like heat or touch, it’s likely passed.

Despite the mixed reactions, the video certainly struck a chord with viewers, causing many to reflect on the ethical and emotional complexities of taxidermy—especially when it involves a pet that has been an integral part of someone’s life.