Colors of the West

Check out the colorful markings on this Western Painted Turtle's belly! Now that's art, and I want some. (better be careful, Mama's been seen around the house with her Sharpie...)

Karolyn Slowsky Behind the Scene

Please No Plastics

Unfortunately this fella doesn't have a chance. Please keep your plastic out of the ocean!

Tiny Turtle Tot

There he is. A newcomer.

R.I.P. Lonesome George

Today we say goodbye to Lonesome George, the world's longest eligible bachelor. With no known offspring from his subspecies left, Lonesome George, a Pinta Island tortoise, became known as the rarest creature in the world and the oldest, believed to be over 100 years old! Galapagos Island Park officials said the tortoise was found dead in his corral by his keeper of 40 years.

For the full story, click here.

Adios, my friend!

Robinson Crusoe 2012

A modern day Robinson Crusoe, Mr. Grimshaw bought an island in the Seychelles in 1962 and has lived there with his giant tortoises since. Check out the video below or click here to read his story.

Be Alert!

Mama spared a slider's life today by stopping traffic and helping my cousin cross the road safely.

For anyone who lives near water, keep an eye out for those of us needing to cross the road. We are going as fast as we can. Really. Give us a brake!

Swimmin' and Screamin'

It's Summer! Everybody into the pool!

Head House

Who wouldn't like to put a giant turtle head on their house?

(But why, you ask? only a human...)

Corner of Solitude

It's like my happy place. Right up there in the corner, under the warm light. Feeling good, although I know she's behind me with that damn camera again.

Leonard and Lula

Tortoise D.I.V.O.R.C.E.

After 115 years together, Austrian Giant turtles Bibi and Poldi are calling it quits. They can't stand to look at each other. I'm losing hope.

To read Bibi and Poldi's story, click here.

Bill Slowsky's Nightmare

[this was so funny that we'll keep it here just in case it comes back to life!]

Flipped Out

Some days I am not successful climbing back into the house and I end up flipped. Some humans panic and think I'm in pain. I play along, but the secret is to keep your cool, wedge your way toward the door mat and use your long, wrinkled (but decorated) neck to peform the 'quick flip' maneuver... then you are good to go!

My Cousin: The Cogwheel Turtle

The Cogwheel Turtle is also known as the sunburst turtle or spiny turtle, this turtle is found in southeast Asia. It is an omnivore, eating bugs, fruit and vegetable matter. The Cogwheel Turtle is a moderately sized turtle that does well in outdoor enclosures in moderate climates.

Found primarily in Asia, the Cogwheel Turtle makes its home in or near streams in rainforests. The streams are usually shallow and clear. They spend a lot of time wandering on land near their streams, primarily in humid, cool, shaded spots. They are shy and spend a lot of time hiding in grass or under debris. The young turtles spend more time on land than the adults, who are more comfortable in water. They are omnivores, but feed primarily on plant matter. They are nocturnal, meaning they are active during the nighttime.

The Cogwheel Turtle is easy to recognize due to its distinctive shell, which is marked by spines on the keel and pleural scutes. The Cogwheel Turtle grows between 7 and 8.5 inches in length, and weighs up to 5 pounds at maturity. They are named for their spikes, or spines, though adult Cogwheel Turtles may lose their spines when they reach maturity. Young Cogwheel Turtles have been said to resemble pincushions because their spikes are so sharp. As they mature these will wear down and are not nearly as obvious as those of the young. Some adults may not have visible spikes, particularly those on the side. They can be difficult to sex. Males usually have longer, broader tails than the females. Males also have a concave plastron.

Conservation status: endangered.

Home Sweet Home

In the spirit of recycling, I approve of my furry friends setting up house in an expired terrapin house.

Henry Wishes Ben a Happy Birthday

Dutch Turtle Haus

Dutch architecture firm specializes in organic design and this is the best turtle house ever. Its head portion of the house even recedes into itself.

To see the interior, click here.

Sir Thomas Turtleton

Sir Thomas Turtleton the turtle free at last

By Rob Beschizza at 4:21 am Monday, Jun 4, 2012 

A Cayman Island turtle farm will release a 60-year-old turtle, Sir Thomas Turtleton, in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne. Sir Thomas weighs 600 lbs and has enjoyed a 30-year career as a stud turtle. From the press release:

As part of the Tag and Track programme, Green Sea Turtles fitted with satellite transmitters are released into the ocean and monitored online. When the animal surfaces during a transmission period, the tag sends a signal to a satellite, indicating its location.
As Sir Thomas Turtleton travels following his release, the team at the Cayman Turtle Farm will be able to use the data as signs that he has successfully survived the re-introduction to the wild, and scientists, both at the Farm and in like-minded organisations around the world, can view and assess the turtle's migration path.

(original article at http://boingboing.net/2012/06/04/sir-thomas-turtleton-the-turtl.html) 

Serious Crossing

thanks, Kath for all the KW shots!

Henri - He Remains.

My furry friend Henri is back. He simply cannot escape his tortured life.