Aquarium welcomes turtle

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., JAN. 3, 2025 – The Aquarium of Niagara is thrilled to announce two tiny new residents – the first spotted turtle hatchlings in Aquarium history. The hatchlings were discovered in the Aquarium’s off-exhibit holding area earlier this fall. Female spotted turtles bury their eggs in sand, where they incubate for 50 to 90 days. At just 3 and 3.5 centimeters in length and weighing only 4.4 and 6.5 grams respectively when found, these turtles were incredibly small, but their hatching marks a milestone for the Aquarium.

Native to New York State and the Great Lakes region, spotted turtles are a small but important freshwater species facing significant conservation challenges. Listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, their population has declined by more than 50% in the last three decades, primarily due to habitat destruction, pollution, and overcollection for the pet trade. The Aquarium of Niagara works with other institutions that are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on a Species Survival Plan (SSP) for spotted turtles, a breeding program that matches genetically strong individuals to ensure a thriving, sustainable population under human care.

“The successful hatching of these spotted turtles is a direct reflection of the exceptional husbandry practices and care provided by our dedicated zoological and veterinary teams,” said Chad Fifer, president & CEO, Aquarium of Niagara. “It underscores our commitment to the wellbeing of the animals under our care and our continued efforts to support conservation for their counterparts in the wild.”

The hatchlings have also provided an exciting professional development opportunity for the Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate staff, who are gaining valuable, hands-on experience in rearing young turtles.

“These hatchlings are a wonderful addition to our growing family of reptiles and amphibians,” said Rafael Calderon, curator of fish & invertebrates. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our team to expand our expertise and support the next generation of this endangered species.”

The Aquarium of Niagara has cared for spotted turtles since 2002, and they are one of the cornerstone species of the Aquarium’s recent expansion, Great Lakes 360. Their charismatic appearance and compelling conservation story make them powerful ambassadors for the animals in our backyard that are facing ongoing threats due to human activity and climate change. Their story highlights the importance of preserving the robust and diverse Great Lakes ecosystem, not only for turtles, but for countless other species that call it home.

Due to their size, the hatchlings currently live in the Aquarium’s herpetology holding area, where they receive a specialized diet and regular checkups from the Aquarium’s veterinary team. When they are fully grown (8 to 10.5 centimeters), they will join the other spotted turtles on

exhibit at Great Lakes 360. In the meantime, visitors can catch a glimpse of the hatchlings and learn more about their care by participating in the Aquarium's popular “Inside the Aquarium” tours, which offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Aquarium's operations and life support systems.