I didn't think Alligator Snapper was around much west of the Rockies either - I've never seen one in a zoo so far and don't know of anywhere with them off the top of my head.
American Herping: A Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians in US Zoos
- Thread starter Coelacanth18
- Start date
I didn't think Alligator Snapper was around much west of the Rockies either - I've never seen one in a zoo so far and don't know of anywhere with them off the top of my head.
Antimony96
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I was thinking that it would hit Very Common or even Abundant if you were able to find every nature center and science museum with them, but in "true" zoos and aquariums I've probably seen more Alligator Snappers.
Interesting that alligator snappers are more common, as that's a species I've yet to see in a zoo. Comparatively, I've seen common snapping turtle at two different facilities (Mystic and Philadelphia). Perhaps the northeast has more common snapping turtles because it's a native species?
King of Komodo Dragons
Well-Known Member
Both the common snapper and Alligator snapper recently had species split, do we know if there are any of the newly created taxons present in US zoos? (such as the Central American Snapping Turtle(Chelydra rossignonii) or the Suwannee Alligator snapping turtle(Macrochelys suwanniensis) I know sometimes when taxonmy changes sometimes zoos don't update their signage to refelct the changes
I rephrased the post, maybe it was a bit misleading; there are more Alligator Snappers in the Western states than Common, but there aren't many of either. Some well-known holders of Alligator Snapping Turtles in the West are Denver Zoo, ABQ Biopark, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Wildlife World Zoo in Arizona (which also holds Common). A handful of smaller and/or less well-known places also have one or both species.
Possibly. Most holdings for either species are in the South and Midwest. There are Alligator Snappers in the Northeast as well though - places in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and DC have all held Alligator in recent years.
I already addressed the Suwannee snapper in my post
As for Chelydra, if I had to guess it would be that all or nearly all are the native serpentina. Not much incentive to import a common native turtle IMO.
There's definitely a lot of alligator snappers around here, I'm surprised you haven't seen one. In the northeast from the last couple of years: Animal Adventures MA, Biomes Marine Biology Center, Claws N Paws Animal Park, Electric City Aquarium, Jenkinson's Aquarium, Luray Zoo, Metro Richmond Zoo, Pocono Snake & Animal Farm, Riverside Reptiles, Smithsonian, ZooAmerica.
Last year was the first time I didn't see more alligator snappers - 10 vs 10 - and the commons were mostly at nature centers. The only AZA places were aquariums (Mystic, Maritime, and Adventure).
Last day of miscellaneous turtles; after this there will be three big families to cover.
Kinosternidae – American Mud and Musk Turtles
Most of these turtles are small at 4-6 in (although the giant musk turtles of Staurotypus can grow up to a foot long) with domed shells. They are primarily aquatic carnivores in the waterways of the Americas. Several species are referred to as musk turtles because they can emit a foul-smelling odor when threatened.
14 species were found in the survey, 10 of which are native to the US. While no single species was particularly common, the two most common are the Eastern or Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) – also affectionately called the Stinkpot Turtle – and the Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrurum). Both are Prevalent, and in addition to some zoos and aquariums can be found in many local nature centers and science museums.
The 12 other species I found were:
Uncommon
Razor-backed Musk Turtle (Sternotherus carinatus)
Mexican Giant Musk Turtles (Staurotypus salvinii and triporcatus)
Rare
Narrow-bridged Musk Turtle (Claudius angustatus)
Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii)
Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon flavescens)
Scorpion Mud Turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides)
Sonoran Mud Turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense)
Arizona Mud Turtle (Kinosternon stejnegeri)
Flattened Musk Turtle (Sternotherus depressus)
Loggerhead Musk Turtle (Sternotherus minor)
Stripe-necked Musk Turtle (Sternotherus peltifer)
Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) / Taken at Zoo Tampa by @Astrotom3000
Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrurum)
Taken at the Western North Carolina Nature Center by @Coelacanth18
Razorback Musk Turtles (Sternotherus carinatus)
Taken at Skansen-Akvariet (Stockholm Zoo, Sweden) by @Daniel Sörensen
Family Platysternidae
Chinese Big-headed Turtle (Playsternon megacephalum) – Rare
The only member of its family, this critically endangered Asian turtle can prop itself up by the tail and climb trees; what can your pet turtle do?
It looks a bit similar to an Alligator Snapper, but without the ridged shell. Only a small number of well-known places in the US hold this species, mainly ones that are highly invested in turtles; the WCS (the organization that manages most of the zoos in New York City, including the Bronx) has successfully bred this species.
Taken at the Toronto Zoo by @Mr Wrinkly
Family Dermataemydidae
Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) – Rare
Also called the hickatee and the only member of its family. A fairly large (up to 2 ft), almost exclusively aquatic turtle. It was once an important food source for the Mayans, and they used its shell as a battle shield.
The only zoo I found in the US that currently displays this species is the Jacksonville Zoo in Florida (though the Philadelphia Zoo held the species over 10 years ago); similarly only one place in Europe displays them, the Haus des Meeres aquarium in Vienna.
Taken at the Philadelphia Zoo (a long time ago) by @zoo_enthusiast
Kinosternidae – American Mud and Musk Turtles
Most of these turtles are small at 4-6 in (although the giant musk turtles of Staurotypus can grow up to a foot long) with domed shells. They are primarily aquatic carnivores in the waterways of the Americas. Several species are referred to as musk turtles because they can emit a foul-smelling odor when threatened.
14 species were found in the survey, 10 of which are native to the US. While no single species was particularly common, the two most common are the Eastern or Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) – also affectionately called the Stinkpot Turtle – and the Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrurum). Both are Prevalent, and in addition to some zoos and aquariums can be found in many local nature centers and science museums.
The 12 other species I found were:
Uncommon
Razor-backed Musk Turtle (Sternotherus carinatus)
Mexican Giant Musk Turtles (Staurotypus salvinii and triporcatus)
Rare
Narrow-bridged Musk Turtle (Claudius angustatus)
Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii)
Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon flavescens)
Scorpion Mud Turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides)
Sonoran Mud Turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense)
Arizona Mud Turtle (Kinosternon stejnegeri)
Flattened Musk Turtle (Sternotherus depressus)
Loggerhead Musk Turtle (Sternotherus minor)
Stripe-necked Musk Turtle (Sternotherus peltifer)
Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) / Taken at Zoo Tampa by @Astrotom3000
Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrurum)
Taken at the Western North Carolina Nature Center by @Coelacanth18
Razorback Musk Turtles (Sternotherus carinatus)
Taken at Skansen-Akvariet (Stockholm Zoo, Sweden) by @Daniel Sörensen
Family Platysternidae
Chinese Big-headed Turtle (Playsternon megacephalum) – Rare
The only member of its family, this critically endangered Asian turtle can prop itself up by the tail and climb trees; what can your pet turtle do?
It looks a bit similar to an Alligator Snapper, but without the ridged shell. Only a small number of well-known places in the US hold this species, mainly ones that are highly invested in turtles; the WCS (the organization that manages most of the zoos in New York City, including the Bronx) has successfully bred this species.Taken at the Toronto Zoo by @Mr Wrinkly
Family Dermataemydidae
Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) – Rare
Also called the hickatee and the only member of its family. A fairly large (up to 2 ft), almost exclusively aquatic turtle. It was once an important food source for the Mayans, and they used its shell as a battle shield.
The only zoo I found in the US that currently displays this species is the Jacksonville Zoo in Florida (though the Philadelphia Zoo held the species over 10 years ago); similarly only one place in Europe displays them, the Haus des Meeres aquarium in Vienna.
Taken at the Philadelphia Zoo (a long time ago) by @zoo_enthusiast
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Wow, didn't realize the Central American River Turtle was so rare.
On the subject of snapping turtles, I've definitely seen from my travels that Common Snapping Turtles are usually only held in local wildlife-focused facilities such as nature centers or museums (examples I have been to include NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Howell Woods Environmental Center, and Virginia Living Museum). So far, Omaha is the only standard zoo I have visited with Common Snapping Turtle.
Alligator Snapping Turtles, on the other hand, are definitely more abundant in non-native-focused zoos and aquariums; they seem to be 2nd to the Alligator in terms of star species for any zoo or aquarium that displays anything from the American swamps.
On the subject of snapping turtles, I've definitely seen from my travels that Common Snapping Turtles are usually only held in local wildlife-focused facilities such as nature centers or museums (examples I have been to include NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Howell Woods Environmental Center, and Virginia Living Museum). So far, Omaha is the only standard zoo I have visited with Common Snapping Turtle.
Alligator Snapping Turtles, on the other hand, are definitely more abundant in non-native-focused zoos and aquariums; they seem to be 2nd to the Alligator in terms of star species for any zoo or aquarium that displays anything from the American swamps.
King of Komodo Dragons
Well-Known Member
San Antonio has Staurotypus triporcatus
DWA also has this species listed on their website but I haven't seen it.
DWA also has this species listed on their website but I haven't seen it.
CMTM
Well-Known Member
When I visited DWA 6ish years ago the Staurotypus were in with the morelets croc and were really only visible early in the morning and late in the day.
King of Komodo Dragons
Well-Known Member
Thank you, I will keep an eye out for it next time I visit, during my last visit the only turtle I saw in with the Morelet's was a Meso-American Slider
Family Emydidae – American Freshwater Turtles
This week we’ll do a dive on the remaining turtles found in our own neighborhood ponds and backyards. The survey found ~35 species held in US zoos and aquariums, with every genus represented in captivity here. Unfortunately, many of our native species are endangered; this has led to the creation of some captive breeding programs in American zoos. Some of our native turtles might be obscure to some of you, but today we’ll talk about a very familiar genus.
Terrapene – American Box Turtles
Almost like mini-tortoises, these largely terrestrial turtles with dome-shaped shells are common sights in the wild and highly popular in captivity. They can be found everywhere: major zoos and aquariums, small countryside zoos, nature centers, and privately as pets. Very hardy turtles, they can retract into their shell and protect themselves from virtually any predator by adulthood and individuals have lived to be over 100 years old. They are omnivorous, eating largely plant matter and invertebrates. There is some debate as to how many species there are, but I've identified all relevant taxa.
Common Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) – Abundant
One of the most commonly seen captive turtles in the US, these turtles range fairly far north in the country and hibernate in the winter. While this remains one of the most commonly seen turtles in the eastern US, it is unfortunately become vulnerable due to habitat loss, harvesting for the pet trade and getting run over by cars (the one predator their shell can’t protect them from…). They are extremely common in zoos and aquariums in the eastern half of the country; conversely there are few holders in the Western states, outside its native range.
The survey found four subspecies held in the States; the most common by far is the Eastern Box Turtle (T. c. carolina), representing two-thirds of the total. The Three-toed Box Turtle (C. t. triunguis) – found in the south-central US and considered a distinct species by some sources – is on display at a dozen facilities at least, likely more. The Florida (C. t. bauri) and Gulf Coast (C. t. major) are rarer, but still found in at least a handful of places each.
Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)
Taken in the wild (Illinois) by @CMP
Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis)
Taken at the Trevor Zoo (New York) by @ThylacineAlive
Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornatus) – Common
Another vulnerable species, also called the Western Box Turtle. There are two subspecies, both found in the survey – the nominate (C. o. ornatus), found in grasslands and woodlands from the Midwest to Texas; and the Desert Box Turtle (C. o. luteola), common in the southwestern deserts of New Mexico and Arizona. I wasn’t able to confirm the subspecies for most holders, but there seems to be several holdings of both.
Desert Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola)
Taken at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo by @Jena
Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila) – Prevalent
Endemic to a small area of desert marsh oases in northern Mexico, this endangered box turtle is unlike our two native species in that it is predominantly aquatic – they spend enough time in the water as to have algae growing on their shells. This is a rarer species in captivity, but there is a captive breeding program for them and a handful of both larger and smaller zoos display this unusual species.
Taken at the Santa Barbara Zoo (California) by @Coelacanth18
Other species in the survey:
Yucatan Box Turtle (T. yucatana) – Rare
This week we’ll do a dive on the remaining turtles found in our own neighborhood ponds and backyards. The survey found ~35 species held in US zoos and aquariums, with every genus represented in captivity here. Unfortunately, many of our native species are endangered; this has led to the creation of some captive breeding programs in American zoos. Some of our native turtles might be obscure to some of you, but today we’ll talk about a very familiar genus.
Terrapene – American Box Turtles
Almost like mini-tortoises, these largely terrestrial turtles with dome-shaped shells are common sights in the wild and highly popular in captivity. They can be found everywhere: major zoos and aquariums, small countryside zoos, nature centers, and privately as pets. Very hardy turtles, they can retract into their shell and protect themselves from virtually any predator by adulthood and individuals have lived to be over 100 years old. They are omnivorous, eating largely plant matter and invertebrates. There is some debate as to how many species there are, but I've identified all relevant taxa.
Common Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) – Abundant
One of the most commonly seen captive turtles in the US, these turtles range fairly far north in the country and hibernate in the winter. While this remains one of the most commonly seen turtles in the eastern US, it is unfortunately become vulnerable due to habitat loss, harvesting for the pet trade and getting run over by cars (the one predator their shell can’t protect them from…). They are extremely common in zoos and aquariums in the eastern half of the country; conversely there are few holders in the Western states, outside its native range.
The survey found four subspecies held in the States; the most common by far is the Eastern Box Turtle (T. c. carolina), representing two-thirds of the total. The Three-toed Box Turtle (C. t. triunguis) – found in the south-central US and considered a distinct species by some sources – is on display at a dozen facilities at least, likely more. The Florida (C. t. bauri) and Gulf Coast (C. t. major) are rarer, but still found in at least a handful of places each.
Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)
Taken in the wild (Illinois) by @CMP
Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis)
Taken at the Trevor Zoo (New York) by @ThylacineAlive
Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornatus) – Common
Another vulnerable species, also called the Western Box Turtle. There are two subspecies, both found in the survey – the nominate (C. o. ornatus), found in grasslands and woodlands from the Midwest to Texas; and the Desert Box Turtle (C. o. luteola), common in the southwestern deserts of New Mexico and Arizona. I wasn’t able to confirm the subspecies for most holders, but there seems to be several holdings of both.
Desert Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola)
Taken at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo by @Jena
Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila) – Prevalent
Endemic to a small area of desert marsh oases in northern Mexico, this endangered box turtle is unlike our two native species in that it is predominantly aquatic – they spend enough time in the water as to have algae growing on their shells. This is a rarer species in captivity, but there is a captive breeding program for them and a handful of both larger and smaller zoos display this unusual species.
Taken at the Santa Barbara Zoo (California) by @Coelacanth18
Other species in the survey:
Yucatan Box Turtle (T. yucatana) – Rare
I did not know there was an aquatic box turtle! Those shells don't look very hydrodynamic...Family Emydidae – American Freshwater Turtles
This week we’ll do a dive on the remaining turtles found in our own neighborhood ponds and backyards. The survey found ~35 species held in US zoos and aquariums, with every genus represented in captivity here. Unfortunately, many of our native species are endangered; this has led to the creation of some captive breeding programs in American zoos. Some of our native turtles might be obscure to some of you, but today we’ll talk about a very familiar genus.
Terrapene – American Box Turtles
Almost like mini-tortoises, these largely terrestrial turtles with dome-shaped shells are common sights in the wild and highly popular in captivity. They can be found everywhere: major zoos and aquariums, small countryside zoos, nature centers, and privately as pets. Very hardy turtles, they can retract into their shell and protect themselves from virtually any predator by adulthood and individuals have lived to be over 100 years old. They are omnivorous, eating largely plant matter and invertebrates. There is some debate as to how many species there are, but I've identified all relevant taxa.
Common Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) – Abundant
One of the most commonly seen captive turtles in the US, these turtles range fairly far north in the country and hibernate in the winter. While this remains one of the most commonly seen turtles in the eastern US, it is unfortunately become vulnerable due to habitat loss, harvesting for the pet trade and getting run over by cars (the one predator their shell can’t protect them from…). They are extremely common in zoos and aquariums in the eastern half of the country; conversely there are few holders in the Western states, outside its native range.
The survey found four subspecies held in the States; the most common by far is the Eastern Box Turtle (T. c. carolina), representing two-thirds of the total. The Three-toed Box Turtle (C. t. triunguis) – found in the south-central US and considered a distinct species by some sources – is on display at a dozen facilities at least, likely more. The Florida (C. t. bauri) and Gulf Coast (C. t. major) are rarer, but still found in at least a handful of places each.
Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)
Taken in the wild (Illinois) by @CMP
Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis)
Taken at the Trevor Zoo (New York) by @ThylacineAlive
Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornatus) – Common
Another vulnerable species, also called the Western Box Turtle. There are two subspecies, both found in the survey – the nominate (C. o. ornatus), found in grasslands and woodlands from the Midwest to Texas; and the Desert Box Turtle (C. o. luteola), common in the southwestern deserts of New Mexico and Arizona. I wasn’t able to confirm the subspecies for most holders, but there seems to be several holdings of both.
Desert Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola)
Taken at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo by @Jena
Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila) – Prevalent
Endemic to a small area of desert marsh oases in northern Mexico, this endangered box turtle is unlike our two native species in that it is predominantly aquatic – they spend enough time in the water as to have algae growing on their shells. This is a rarer species in captivity, but there is a captive breeding program for them and a handful of both larger and smaller zoos display this unusual species.
Taken at the Santa Barbara Zoo (California) by @Coelacanth18
Other species in the survey:
Yucatan Box Turtle (T. yucatana) – Rare
Exactly what I was thinking, it's weird seeing a box turtle under water!
Indeed! I didn't know about them until a couple years ago, and Santa Barbara was the first time I saw them underwater. One was swimming around and it seemed agile enough; they spend about 90% of their time in the water so one would hope they are competent swimmers
Painted Turtles, Cooters and Sliders
Today will be a look into some of the more colorful turtles in North America. I grouped all of these into one post because I think they can be hard to tell apart, and so I felt direct comparisons would be useful.
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) – Very Common
The painted turtle is the most widespread turtle on the continent and one of the most numerous, ranging across most of the East and Midwest into the Pacific Northwest and some rivers in the Southwest as well. Compared to the two other turtles discussed below, this is generally a smaller species with a flatter shell. There are four subspecies, all of which were found in the survey – the Eastern (C. p. picta), the Midland (C. p. marginata), the Western (C. p. bellii), and the Southern (C. p. dorsalis) which is now considered by many sources as a separate species.
Western Painted Turtle (C. p. bellii)
Taken at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park (California) by @Great Argus
Pseudemys – Cooters
Status in US Zoos: Common to Very Common
Cooters are larger turtles than the previous species, and have a more domed shell. While juveniles tend to eat more invertebrates and adults are primarily herbivorous, these are omnivorous turtles that will take food when they can get it. The genus is taxonomically messy; the most common taxa in US zoos and aquariums is the Eastern River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna) which qualifies as Prevalent; uncommon or rare taxa are as follows:
Florida River Cooter (P. floridana)
Rio Grande Cooter (P. gorzugi)
Florida Red-bellied Cooter (P. nelsoni)
Peninsula Cooter (P. peninsularis)
Northern Red-bellied Cooter (P. rubriventis)
Texas Cooter (P. texana)
Suwannee River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis) - possibly a distinct species
Rio Grande Cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi)
Taken at the ABQ Biopark Zoo (New Mexico) by @Coelacanth18
Northern Red-bellied Cooters (Pseudemys rubriventis)
Taken at the Central Park Zoo by @ThylacineAlive
Trachemys – Sliders
Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta) – Abundant
Pond Sliders are also a larger species of pond turtle with a more domed carapace. They one of the most popular pet turtles worldwide; unfortunately many proud buyers of tiny baby sliders released their pet turtles into far-flung rivers across the world upon realizing they grow quite big as adults, and now Pond Sliders are found wild everywhere from Scotland to South Africa to Singapore. The primary kept subspecies is the Red-eared Slider (T. s. elegans) of the Midwest and south-central regions; it is named for the characteristic red mark next to its eye, which is a helpful distinguishing feature from cooters or Painted Turtles.
The Yellow-bellied Slider (T. s. scripta) is from the lowlands of the Southeast and – though much less common in captivity than its well-known cousin – still qualified as Prevalent itself. A third subspecies from the Tennessee mountains, the Cumberland Slider (T. s. troostii) seems to be rare here: I only found evidence of it being held by the Saint Louis Aquarium and a small rescue zoo in Delaware. Oddly it is a pretty common subspecies in European zoos with ~40 holders.
Red-eared Slider (T. s. elegans)
Taken at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo by @ThylacineAlive
Yellow-bellied Slider (T. s. scripta)
Taken at the Sewee Center (South Carolina) by @SusScrofa
Other species of Trachemys found in the survey (all Rare):
Hispaniolan Slider (T. decorata)
D'Orbigny's Slider (T. dorbigni)
Nicaraguan Slider (T. emolli)
Big Bend Slider (T. gaigeae)
Mesoamerican Slider (T. venusta)
King of Komodo Dragons
Well-Known Member
Zoo Miami recently got Common Cuban Slider(Trachemys decussata) as well
Funnily enough, I saw a swimming Eastern Box Turtle at the Virginia Living Museum. He was just floating effortlessly on the surface, swimming around as if it were natural. The museum even named him "Michael Phelps", but they did say after that turtle leaves or passes, they will not use that exhibit for box turtles any more.
I used to work with an Eastern Box Turtle, and very rarely I'd see him swimming (or more accurately sitting in the water), in contrast to the Southeast Asian Box Turtle (not closely related to the Terrapene box turtles) who would be swimming around half the time. In all honesty, with the Eastern box turtle most of the time he'd be buried in the cypress mulch and I'd only see him when actively searching for him.
CMTM
Well-Known Member
I currently care for a pair of eastern box turtles, both of whom have large enough water dishes to soak in should they choose. The male uses his all of them time and practically runs for it when its freshly cleaned. The female barely ever uses hers. Everyone is different!