Lincoln Park Zoo Welcomes Turtle Hatchlings
By Samantha Abernethy in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 7, 2012 9:40PM
The Lincoln Park Zoo has 18 new ornate box turtle hatchlings. Each of these adorable little guys is the size of a quarter. They're being raised in a nursery at the zoo, but they'll be released into their natural habitat, Illinois sand prairies. Lincoln Park Zoo writes:
The new arrivals will live in groups of six surrounded by comfy moss that they can use for nesting, and the climate will be kept warm and balmy - just the way turtles like it. Animal care staff will feed them specially-formulated, high nutrient turtle chow.When the turtles are mature enough to be released, the zoo’s partners from USFWS will help them settle into their new home at Lost Mound Sand Prairie, a Unit of Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Savanna, Ill. Located within the former Savanna Army Depot, the area used to be home to many ornate box turtles before habitat loss caused by years of military activities drastically reduced the species’ population.