Mystery terrapin discovered at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park
Keepers say the diamondback terrapin 'stood out a mile'
Last updated 27th Jul 2021
Keepers at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park have discovered a mystery terrapin which somehow found its way into one of its enclosures.
The 'unaccounted for' 4 inch diamondback terrapin was found in one of their enclosures, alongside other, larger members of its species.
Keepers say the tiny animal 'stood out a mile' as the park is mostly home to larger Trachemys terrapins.
It's thought it was a pet which was abandoned by its previous owners at the park in secret.
Its now been removed from the enclosure and is being treated for an eye condition.
Andy Ferguson, from the charity, said:
“Our teams quick actions have saved this little guys future from possible injury and even possible drowning within the enclosure, we have moved him into an individual quarantine tank for observations whilst we await veterinarian instruction for treatment for his eyes”
“Pet terrapins aren’t accustomed to living in natural ponds, outside and with other species. By placing the animal into this pond the owner has endangered it’s life - rather than what we suspect was the intention - giving it a better one.
“We provide forever homes for thousands of animals at the sanctuary and we are here to help the animals not to judge the owners, so if you are considering rehoming, reach out to us”.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, which was set up in 1990 near Boston, is home to the National Turtle Sanctuary.
It houses over 200 terrapins which were either abandoned or rescued from homes that could no longer care for them.