Community Corner
Meet the Zoo: Red-Eared Sliders
The population of 100 turtles aren't part of the Prospect Park Zoo's official animal collection, but keepers care for them as if they were.
When keepers talk about sliders at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Prospect Park Zoo, they are not discussing fare from a local burger joint. They—and visitors—are talking about the nearly 100 red eared slider turtles that make their home in the Discovery Trail marsh along with a variety of ducks and wild birds.
While they are not part of the zoo’s official animal collection, keepers care for them as if they were. Visitors enjoy watching these turtles bask on logs and swim around the marsh, coming up to the boardwalk and craning their necks as they look for food.
The red-eared sliders are part of the fun feeding experience on the marsh boardwalk. Although the food is formulated for the ducks and swans on the marsh, the turtles are just as happy to snag a pellet that comes their way.
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Red eared sliders are a subspecies of pond turtle and are the most popular pet turtle in the United States. While native only to the southern United States, this species has established itself in non-native areas due to pet releases. In fact, it has become a problem in some areas where these turtles are outcompeting native species for food and habitat.
Turtle populations worldwide are being decimated by illegal hunting for both food along with the pet trade. Add in habitat loss and many turtle species will go extinct in the next decade unless drastic conservation measures are taken, according to a report co-authored by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) working in conjunction with the Turtle Survival Coalition.
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On October 9, 2011, the WCS will be holding the first Run for the Wild 5k run/family fun walk at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island. Proceeds from the event will go toward helping WCS save turtles. Registration is now open at www.wcsrunforthewild.org. Receive $5 off registration by entering the promotional code “INTHELOOP” before September 6.
Visitors at the zoo may enjoy watching the red eared sliders but before adopting one, consider the plight of turtles around the world. Responsible pet selection and ownership can go a long way in helping to save wildlife.
