Hingeback+Tortoise

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// Kinixys homeana // Order: Testudines

=**__Husbandry Information__**=

Notes on Enrichment & Training


=__Programmatic Information__=

Potential Messaging

 * In general, animals seen at the zoo do not make good pets. Most have specialized dietary, veterinary, housing, and social needs that are difficult or impossible for even dedicated pet owners to meet. Always ensure that your future pet has not been taken from the wild. Capture of wild animals for the pet trade has significantly damaged the survival prospects of species such as sloths, tamanduas, and many parrots. Captured animals are typically mistreated by profit-motivated traffickers and dealers, resulting in many animal deaths; well-meaning animal lovers may feel like they are rescuing animals by purchasing them but are really perpetuating the cruelty. In addition, many exotic pets are released by their owners when they become too dangerous or demanding, often with devastating effects on local ecosystems. Animals that should never be kept as pets include all bats, primates, and exotic carnivores. Birds, fish, and reptiles have specialized needs, are frequently wild-caught, and damage the local environment if released; guests should be advised to educate themselves and proceed with caution. Domestic dogs and cats are almost always the best option! Many deserving animals are available for adoption at animal shelters. [] []

=__Acquisition Information__=

=__Comments from the Rating System__=
 * Children's Zoo at Celebration Square: Our male hingeback was extremely easy to care for (although this is not common - they are typically hard to keep in captivity). We utilize this in messaging about how they are not good as pets. He does extremely well for handling and shows. Everyone (public, kids, adults, staff, volunteers) loves him since he is so well behaved and also very adorable. His favorite snack is banana and he will eat it from your hand. We had some issues with watery eyes in the winter 2 years in a row but it cleared up after using drops and no other signs of illness. He was housed alone and then later on with a 0.1 Central American Ornate Wood Turtle. There were no aggression issues but he did try to mount her a lot and they would have to be separated during his breeding season. Otherwise they got along very well and were exhibited together.

=__Natural History Information__=

Threats and Conservation Status
=__Did you know…__=

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * Houston Zoo, Natural Encounters

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 * //Activity Schedule: diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular//
 * //Continent of Origin//
 * //Diet Requirements: carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, etc.//
 * //General Habitat/Biome: deserts, forests, mountains, etc.//