When we think of turtles, one of the first things that come to mind is their iconic shells. Unlike some animals that can retreat into their shells, like snails, turtles have their shells permanently attached to their bodies. But this extraordinary adaptation wasn't always a part of their existence. Let's dive into the fascinating journey of how turtles became their shells. A … [Read more...] about Turtles Aren’t Inside Their Shells – They Are Their Shells and Here’s How This Came To Be
turtles
After 20 Years, Rare Turtles Finally Hatch at a US Zoo, and Wow Was The Wait Worthwhile
The San Diego Zoo has recently welcomed 41 Indian narrow-headed softshell turtles (Chitra indica). In North America, the zoo is the first recognized conservation institution to successfully birth these threatened turtles as a result. Although specialists have been closely studying three of the rare turtles for more than 20 years, breeding behavior is particularly challenging … [Read more...] about After 20 Years, Rare Turtles Finally Hatch at a US Zoo, and Wow Was The Wait Worthwhile
On a Japanese Island, Dozens of Turtles Had Been Stabbed in The Neck and Flippers
Several of the turtles had stab wounds on their necks and a number had slash marks on their flippers. A remote Japanese island has seen the death of dozens of sea turtles, many of which had been stabbed in the neck. According to Japanese media, the grisly scene may have been the result of fishermen who tried to free the trapped animals from their nets but ultimately decided … [Read more...] about On a Japanese Island, Dozens of Turtles Had Been Stabbed in The Neck and Flippers
By Fanni Sandor, “Turtles, Ducklings, and Pheasants Comprise an Adorable Menagerie of Miniatures”
Fanni Sandor, a Hungarian artist, adds progressively smaller creatures to her already tiny zoo. Sandor creates biologically accurate miniatures at a 1:12 scale out of polymer clay, feathers, fur, and other materials. Many of her most recent works feature infants and young adults, such as a trio of joeys clutching their mothers' backs and a chick gulping a worm. More images of … [Read more...] about By Fanni Sandor, “Turtles, Ducklings, and Pheasants Comprise an Adorable Menagerie of Miniatures”
Some Turtles Age So Slowly That They Don’t Appear To Age At All
Growing old is an inevitable part of life - unless you're a turtle. Evidence from two new studies suggests that several turtle species experience very little senescence, or the physical aging of our bodies. Turtles appear to be immune to the ravages of aging. Testudines, the reptile order that includes turtles, terrapins, and tortoises, have shown the ability to slow down … [Read more...] about Some Turtles Age So Slowly That They Don’t Appear To Age At All