Turtles
Turtles are ancient, resilient reptiles recognized by their protective shells and steady, deliberate way of life. Found in freshwater rivers, ponds, lakes, and wetlands across the world, turtles are uniquely adapted to life both in and around water.
Most turtles are semi-aquatic, spending time basking on logs or rocks to regulate their body temperature before returning to the water to forage. They are long-lived animals with slow growth rates.
Turtles at Twin Falls Zoo
16 species to discover
Red-Eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
Invasive in Idaho
Common Snapping Turtle
Chelydra serpentina
Invasive in Idaho
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macrochelys temminckii
Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta
Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus
Japanese Pond Turtle
Mauremys japonica
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Yellow-Bellied Slider
Trachemys scripta scripta
Invasive in Idaho
Mata Mata Turtle
Chelus fimbriata
Fly River Turtle
Carettochelys insculpta
Peacock Slider
Trachemys venusta
Invasive in Idaho if released
River Cooter
Pseudemys concinna
Invasive in Idaho if released
Diamondback Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapin
Reeves' Turtle
Mauremys reevesii
Golden Thread Turtle
Mauremys sinensis
Map Turtle
Graptemys spp.