Turtles and Tortoises

Overview

Learn more about Creepy Cave's Turtles and Tortoises below:

Red-Footed Tortoises

Red-Footed Tortoises live in the dry grasslands and forest areas of South America. They are herbivores eating grasses, fruit and other plants. The upper part of their shell is known as a carapace and on the Red-Footed Tortoise it is a dark brown colour with lighter patches in the centre and around the edge.

FUN FACT: These tortoises have been known to live to 50 years old!

Eastern Box Turtles

Native to North America, Box Turtles are a medium size with a domed carapace (shell). Unlike most turtles, Box Turtles spend most of their time on land. They have hinged bottoms to their shells which means they can completely close themselves off from predators.

FUN FACT: One way to see if an Eastern Box Turtle is male or female is to look at its eye colour. In males, they have deep orange or red eyes while in females they are usually have brown or light orange.

Mud Turtles

Western Mud Turtles grow to about 20cms in length. They love to sunbathe on riverbanks, but will dive into the water if they are scared. Mud turtles get their name from their habit of digging in the soft soil. Their shell is normally brown or black in colour.

FUN FACT: Mud Turtle can often be found perching on hippos heads!

Giant Asian Pond Turtle

These Giant Asian Pond Turtles live in rivers, marshes and rice paddy fields in many Asian countries. They have a pale orange head with faint black streaks and their shell is brown to dark green in colour. Males have slightly more rounded and longer shells and thicker tails than the females.

FUN FACT: Giant Asian Pond Turtles are classified at Vulnerable according to the IUCN and are under threat from illegal trading and hunting.

Bells Hingeback Tortoise

The Bells Hingeback is very good at climbing and digging and is able to live in pretty much any environment. They get their name from the hinge across the back of their upper shell (carapace) which allows them to hide their tail and hind legs if in danger. Bells Hingbacks’ like to live in warm, wet climates.

FUN FACT: In some African countries, Bells Hingeback Tortoises’ are considered a holy animal that brings happiness.

Turtles and Tortoises can be found in the Creepy Caves.