| Size |
up to two feet. |
| Weight |
40-50 lbs.
|
| Conservation Status |
On the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Central American river turtle is listed as Critically Endangered. |
| Diet |
These turtles are mostly herbivorous although they will also eat insects, fish and mollusk. In the wild their favorite fruit are figs that fall into the water. At the Zoo, the turtles are offered a base diet of Fresh Water Turtle biscuit. The biscuits provide the majority of nutrients the animals require. For activity and enrichment their diet also includes fruits, vegetables, small fish and the leaves of local trees. The animals are offered a different combination of food each day. |
| Geographic Range |
Veracruz, Mexico, south to Honduras, northern Guatemala and Belize. |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
Reptile and Amphibian House |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
Large turtle with a dark, smooth, flat shell (carapace). Males and females are similar in color but females have olive/gray heads, compared to yellowish to red-brown heads of the males. Adult males also have larger tails than females.
Longevity
One published report identifies a maximum lifespan of 50 years, though most references state that longevity is unknown.
Behavior
The Central American river turtle, or "hicatee", is most active at night.
Reproduction
Females usually lay 6-20 eggs on the edge of a riverbank during the months of September-November.
The Zoo holds 2 males and 2 females of this critically endangered species. Typically one animal can be found on exhibit in the Reptile House and during the summer months, additional specimens may be found in pools in Bird Valley. One pair was acquired in 1993 from the US Fish & Wildlife Service following their seizure due to illegal importation from Guatemala. The other pair, one also a USFWS seizure, originated in Belize.
Enrichment
Adoption Information
Featured Foster Parent
Fun Facts
- The Philadelphia Zoo was the first zoo to breed this endangered species in captivity.
- Males can be differentiated from females by yellow markings on either side of their head, and a longer, thicker tail.
- This turtle species is Critically Endangered.
Conservation
Introductions
Animal Lingo
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