Turtles
Sea Turtle Maritime Aquarium World Turtle Day 2023

Celebrate World Turtle Day at The Maritime Aquarium

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The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk is celebrating World Turtle Day with lots of activities. Tables in Newman’s Own Hall will have freshwater turtle artifacts on display for guests to get an up-close look at turtles they may see in their own backyards. Educational activities will teach guests about what makes turtles so unique and send them on a scavenger hunt throughout the aquarium to locate freshwater turtles on exhibit. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in take-home crafts. Activities are included with the purchase of admission on Tuesday, May 23.

Animals

Aquarium Looking for Volunteers to Track Terrapins — an At-Risk Species in Connecticut

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The Maritime Aquarium is currently seeking volunteers to join its Terrapin Tracking Team to protect Northern Diamondback Terrapins, a species of concern in the State of Connecticut. Virtual training sessions will be held on Tuesday, March 28, and Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m. for those interested in joining the team. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium

“As a species of concern in Connecticut, Northern Diamondback Terrapins population is considered low and at risk without human intervention,” said Tom Naiman, vice president of education at the aquarium. “Community scientists who join our Terrapin Tracking Team will play a critical role is monitoring our local population, which will inform scientists who study local ecosystems,” Naiman said. These terrapins can be found in the brackish water off the coast.

Animals
Hatchling Turtle

Don’t Touch Wild Hatchling Turtles — and Other Wild Turtle Advice from the Maritime Aquarium

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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is asking folks to be mindful of turtles on the move at this time of year, and only to interact with them if necessary. — an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

Barrett Christie, director of animal husbandry, said several recent well-meaning callers have “rescued” hatchling diamondback terrapins, a protected coastal species. One hatchling was even delivered to the Aquarium. “Often, upon being handled by humans or brought in to human care, turtles cannot be returned to their natural habitats,” Christie said. “We’re glad that people are concerned for the welfare of turtles as they find them, but it’s important to know what to do and what not to do.”

Listed in Connecticut as a “species of special concern,” diamondback terrapins are the state’s only turtle that spend their lives in the brackish waters of Long Island Sound’s tidal rivers and marshes.

Animals
Eastern Box Turtle Front Eileen Socci 6-5-16

Local Wildlife Picture: Eastern Box Turtle off of Holmes Avenue

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Eileen Socci recently sent Darienite.com these pictures of an eastern box turtle found on the Metro-North tracks side of Holmes Avenue (south of Woodland Park):

We published a picture with information about eastern box turtles two weeks ago. Here’s the article. If you’ve got photos of Darien wildlife, share them with the rest of us! Feel free to email them to dave@darienite.com.

Animals
Eastern Box Turtle Pam Bass 5-14-16

From Baby Box Turtles, Big Box Turtles Grow

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This picture of a baby eastern box turtle was contributed by Pam Bass of Darien. The picture was taken this past week at Woodway Country Club (find more information about these turtles below):

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If you have a picture of wildlife in Darien, share it with the rest of us! Email it to Dave@Darienite.com. ___________

According to the state Department of Environmental Protection website (we’ve slightly edited this excerpt):

A medium-size turtle readily distinguished by its high domed shell, and hinged plastron, with moveable front and rear lobes that enable the turtle to completely enclose itself within its shell. The carapace coloration is highly variable, with a pattern of yellow or orange on a brown to black background.