🐢 Springtime means shell-time! 🐢 It's World Turtle Day and also turtles across New York are starting to lay eggs and become more active. That means you're more likely to find turtles in the road! Keep an eye out for shelled friends. The best option for helping turtles in the road, for your safety and theirs, is to give them space and let them cross on their own. However, if you do feel like you need to assist, here are some tips to remember: 🍔 Small turtles can be picked up with both hands on either side of their shell, like an upside-down hamburger 🍕 Larger turtles can be moved by sliding one hand underneath the shell from behind and keeping one on top, like you're receiving a pizza box 🚗 You can also slide a car mat under the turtle and drag it to the roadside 🚫 Never grab or hold a turtle by the tail (Note: Snapping turtles have long necks and a powerful bite. Place both hands on the back of its shell right above the tail if you need to pick it up.) ⬅️ Always move a turtle in the same direction it was already moving Of course, if you do interact with a wild turtle, be sure to wash your hands! If you do find an injured turtle or hit one yourself, you can reach out to a local wildlife rehabilitation center or employees/officials if you are in a park or nature area. (fb)

Transparency is key when communicating with our guests that an animal is off exhibit...Legos are also key. (Photo credit: Rafael Calderon, Curator of Fish & Invertebrates) [See what happens when we let the Zoological team handle the signage?] (fb)