OUR ANIMALS

Terekay turtle

Terekay turtles live in the wild in the tropical parts of South America. There they inhabit the rivers and lakes of the Amazon region. Yet the status of this species is 'vulnerable'. This is mainly because they are caught and eaten, or because they are traded as exotic pets. The terekay turtles in our zoo also come from a seizure by customs.
Parrot
Falling Feathers

Statement

Yellow head drawing

What is striking about these turtles is the striking yellow marking on the head. This is particularly visible in young animals. When the turtles become adults, only the males retain this yellow head marking. The legs are adapted for both swimming and climbing. They therefore have fairly flat legs with sharp nails. 

Many species of turtles pull their heads into their shells when threatened. The Terekay turtle cannot do this. They therefore fold their head and neck along the carapace when danger threatens. In the bird park, this is the only turtle species. So pay attention in the Tropenhal, because there they can be found on the banks and in the stream of the Pantanal.  

Terekay Turtle Head

The terekay turtle

Avifauna Tear Frame

facts and tidbits

Facts about the Terekay turtle

English name

Yellow Spotted River Turtle

Scientific name

Podocnemis unifilis

living environment

Freshwater lakes and rivers in South America

Diet

Plants and fallen fruits

Weight

Up to about 12 kilograms

Nest size

20 - 40 eggs (depending on the size of the female)

Hatching time

65 to 90 days

IUCN status

Vulnerable

Avifauna is committed

…to conserve vulnerable or endangered species. With our special bird collection and the expertise of our employees, we contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, both in the park and in the region.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE TEMPERATURE IN THE NEST DETERMINES THE SEX OF THE BOY?

The turtles feel safe near water. However, when they start laying eggs, they sometimes go as far as 100 meters from the water to dig a nest. The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the jong. A warm nest – for example because to in a clearing in the woods catches a lot of sunlight of shallow gethe grave is - cares for female young. These nests are more visible and are therefore more often plundered by other animals. because of this become more male Terekay turtles born in nature. 

Avifauna Tear Frame