Turtles & Tortoises
Protecting Our Shelled Friends
The conservation status of an animal lets us know how likely it is that an animal species will become extinct or no longer exist . The Aldabra tortoise and the Olive Ridley sea turtle are both listed as vulnerable to extinction due to hunting , habitat pollution and fishing practices . Environmental laws are now in place to help the populations of these two species to grow .
Compare and Contrast
If you ’ ve visited the Louisville Zoo Islands area , you may have seen Dot , the Zoo ’ s oldest resident . She is an Aldabra tortoise that just turned 81 in June , 2017 . What do you think are the differences between Dot , the Aldabra tortoise and the Olive Ridley sea turtle on the next page ? Let ’ s explore what makes them the same and different !
Aldabra Tortoise
Lives mostly on land
Can live 150 years or more
Eats mostly plants
The mother will protect her babies for about 80 days
Has a dome-shaped shell
Turtle and Tortoise
Cold-blooded reptiles
Like to live alone
Conservation Status : Vulnerable
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Lives mostly in water
Can live to about 50 years old
Eats both plants and animals
Babies are on their own from birth
Has a flatter , smoother shell .
What can you do to help turtles and tortoises ?
Pick up any litter you see and make sure it ’ s properly disposed of or recycled ! Often loose trash ends up in turtle and tortoise habitats .
Make sure chemicals in your home are properly disposed of and stored . Encourage others to be mindful of the chemicals used outside — they can end up washed into waterways and other turtle habitats .