Tiny black marsh turtle hatched at Bristol Zoo
- Published
Black marsh turtles are known as the "smiling terrapin" because they have an upwardly curved jaw line
The first baby black marsh turtle in a decade has successfully hatched at Bristol Zoo.
The jet-black turtle is 5cm (2in) long and descended from destined for the Chinese food trade in 2001.
Senior keeper Adam Davis said: "It is doing really well. These turtles are listed as vulnerable and are part of a European breeding programme."
Their numbers have declined because they are caught for food.
The turtle, which hatched this week after three months in an incubator, is in quarantine before it can be displayed at the zoo.
When fully-grown they are about 20cm (8in) in length, which can take more than eight years.
Related internet links
The 大象传媒 is not responsible for the content of external sites.