The TC has welcomed some very unique Australian turtles to our living collection. Last week we received a pair of Mary River Turtles (Elusor macrurus) from Oklahoma City Zoo. This endangered species is the only member of its genus and is found—as the name suggests—exclusively in the Mary River of South East Queensland.

This species has a proportionately large tail and small head for an aquatic turtle. Currently the pair is similar in size but the male will outgrow the female as it approaches a weight of 12 lbs. These relatively young turtles will not reach breeding age until approximately 25. 

With the escalating risks that climate change poses to this species' wild habitat, we are excited to join the list of institutions breeding captive colonies of the Mary River Turtle to ensure this species does not go extinct.