A Rare Animal Is Being Cared for at a Massachusetts Wildlife Center
A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin turtle is alive and kicking — with all six of its legs — at the Birdsey Cape Wildlife Center in Massachusetts after hatching two weeks ago.
A threatened species in the state, this turtle is feeding well on blood worms and food pellets, staff at the center say.
The two heads operate independently, coming up for air at different times, and inside its shell are two gastrointestinal systems to feed both sides of its body.
A double headed diamondback terrapin hatchling is weighed at the Birdsey Cape Wildlife Center where the two week old animal is being treated.@capecodtimes pic.twitter.com/sGtsV5FGrm
— Steve Heaslip (@cctphoto) October 9, 2021
The turtle originally came from a nest in West Barnstable that researchers determined was in a hazardous location and needed to be moved.
After hatching, turtles in these so-called “head start” nests are sent to different care centers to be monitored before their release in the spring, The Cape Cod Times reported.
Center veterinarian Pria Patel and other staff will continue to monitor the turtle in the coming weeks.
They are hoping to perform a CT scan to learn more about its circulatory system.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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