Our Animals
Common Snapping Turtle
The Freshwater Heavyweights
Common Snapping Turtle
Dive into discovery and meet Gary, our incredible Common Snapping Turtle! Hailing from the freshwater habitats of North America, these large reptiles are true heavyweights, with some weighing upwards of 10kg. Don't let his slow movements fool you—with a large, rugged shell, a strong hooked beak, and a surprisingly long neck, Gary can rapidly snap at his snacks! Despite his fearsome, prehistoric reputation, he is actually an omnivore, enjoying a varied diet of fish, small mammals, and tasty aquatic plants. Gary can spend hours holding his breath underwater, but if you look closely, you might just spot him poking his head up into his basking area to catch some rays while keeping the rest of his body perfectly chilled in the pool!
Care & Conservation
Respecting Our Prehistoric Pals
We focus on creating excitement around our animal encounters while highlighting the care, conservation, and respect behind every experience. While common snapping turtles are currently doing well in the wild, their natural wetland habitats are constantly under threat from pollution and human development. By getting to know Gary, our visitors learn about the importance of keeping global freshwater ecosystems clean and protected so these amazing reptiles can continue to thrive.
Monty's Fun fact
Fun Fact
Common Snapping Turtle
Did you know that snapping turtles can hold their breath for incredibly long times? Because they spend hours submerged, they have adapted to absorb oxygen directly from the water through their skin and the lining of their mouths!