Turtles

How a St. Louis turtle named Peanut inspires generations to curb plastic pollution

Emily Woodbury

Peanut is a notable example of how plastic pollution can harm wildlife — and how an individual animal’s story can be a powerful tool in promoting social change.

The St. Louis Zoo has hired John Rucker and his team of Boykin Spaniels that are specially-trained to locate turtles in an effort to survey the local turtle population. The study is specifically attempting to identify the effects of the Ranavirus, which was recently discovered in the native Three Toed Box Turtle.

Health, Science & Environment

St. Louis Zoo Scientists And Canine Helpers Seek Answers About Emerging Turtle Virus

Kayla Drake

St. Louis Zoo researchers enlisted the help of a team of Boykin spaniels to search for three-toed box turtles in a quest to find out more about the emerging ranavirus, which causes respiratory disease among reptiles and amphibians.

Health, Science & Environment

Pet Adoption Could Harm Forest Park's Box Turtles, Researchers Say

Eli Chen

On a chilly, gray morning in Forest Park, three St. Louis Zoo scientists switched on 20-inch-long antennas to begin their search for a turtle named…

While part of the St. Louis Box Turtle Project, Georgette survived a serious bacterial infection and an animal attack. She died during the polar vortex at approximately age 15.

Health, Science & Environment

Researchers Say Goodbye To Georgette — A Very Tough Turtle

Shahla Farzan

For those who knew her, Georgette was a feisty drifter who lived and died in Forest Park.She was also somewhat of a local celebrity.The three-toed box…

An alligator snapping turtle, one of several wild turtle species that live in Missouri.

Health, Science & Environment

Missouri conservation officials propose ban on commercial wild turtle trapping

Eli Chen

Wild turtles in Missouri may soon be protected from trappers, as the Missouri Department of Conservation proposed a ban this week on the commercial…

Forest Park Forever Nature Works field coordinator Billy Haag holds a turtle trap at a manmade waterway in the park.

Health, Science & Environment

Forest Park takes stock of its turtles to create better wildlife habitat

Eli Chen

Scientists have started to take stock of the turtles that live in Forest Park to protect them from upcoming construction projects and improve their…

Health, Science & Environment

Environmental lawyers renew call for state ban on turtle trapping

Eli Chen

Environmental attorneys have petitioned the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to ban commercial trapping of the state's freshwater turtles. The…

Health, Science & Environment

Salmonella-laden turtles infecting humans: is Missouri next?

Ok, we realize the headline is a little alarmist - but the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention actually suggests it's not that…