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TURTLES AND TORTOISES

All of our turtles and tortoises are rescues! Most of them were unwanted pets that were in need of a second home.

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Alligator Snapping Turtle

Macrochelys temminckii

Lifespan: 100 years

Maximum Size: 220 pounds (record: 400 pounds), 2.5 feet long

Diet: FIsh

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Fun Fact: My tongue looks almost exactly like a worm! I open my mouth and sit still while I wiggle my tongue to lure fish into my mouth!

Diamondback Terrapin

Malaclemys terrapin

Lifespan: 25-40 years

Maximum Size: .5 pound, 5.5 inches male; 1.5 pounds 11 inches female

Diet: Snails, crabs, bivalves, worms, fish, insects

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Fun Fact:  Our primary habitat is the mangrove estuaries of the south-eastern United States and we can survive in either fresh or salt water. When in salt water, we excrete excess salt from glands near their eyes.

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Geochelone gigantea​

Lifespan: Debated, 80-200 years

Maximum Size: 550 pounds, 4 foot carapace male; 350 pounds, 3 foot carapace female

Diet: Vegetation, meat when available

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Fun Fact:  We are very social and intelligent reptiles. We spend time together in the wild (on the Aldabara Islands) and in captivity we recognize and respond to our caretakers.

Softshell Turtle

Apalone ferox

Lifespan: Debated, 20-50 years

Maximum Size: 1 foot carapace male, 2 foot carapace female

Diet: Small fish

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Fun Fact:  Unlike most other turtles, my shell is actually soft and leathery. I lack the bony scutes that most other turtles have. This flexible shell allows me to move quickly in water and run quickly on land.

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We take in turtles of all sizes and several species! Check out some of the species that call the aquarium home.

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