In all, 44 species of Asian freshwater turtles and tortoises and three species of North American pond turtles were upgraded in the eyes of the convention, meaning that their trade will be more carefully regulated.

BBC: Turtle 'victory' at wildlife meeting

The 33 turtles had been rescued more than three months ago by federal officials and state wildlife authorities from Louisiana, Florida and Georgia, as well as the Riverhead Foundation and the In-Water Research Group.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Since the 1995 debut of "Making the MOOSt of It, " Moos has examined everything from three-legged pantyhose to two-headed turtles and recently has focused her reports on the quirky angles of the 2008 presidential campaign.

CNN: Anchors & Reporters