Blandings+turtle

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// Emydoidea blandingii // Order: Testudines

=**__Husbandry Information__**=

Diet Requirements

 * Wild Diet: they are omnivores and eat a diverse amount of animal and plant matter, including amphibian egg masses, tadpoles, crustaceans, small fish, water insects, worms, slugs, snails, leeches, leafy vegetation, ripe fruits, berries and mushrooms, some of which are poisonous to humans
 * Zoo/Aquarium Diet: can be fed a variety of clam, fish, shrimp, insects, worms, aquatic turtle pellets, greens and vegetables.

Notes on Enrichment & Training

 * Can be easily target trained.

=__Programmatic Information__=

Tips on Handling

 * This can get to be a fairly large turtle, and like many aquatic turtles, can have sharp nails.

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. 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__=
 * Zoo New England, Stone Zoo: Great aquatic turtle for programs, with good conservation messages. This species is tolerant with cooler temperatures, which is great, and can be used outdoors for more of the year that some of the tortoises and other non-natives.

=__Natural History Information__=

Threats and Conservation Status

 * Protected at the state level in many states as Threatened or Endangered.

=__Did you know…__=

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * Nancy Romanik, Education Program Manager - Zoo New England, Stone Zoo
 * Houston Zoo, Natural Encounters
 * Shedd Aquarium

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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.//