Aldabra Giant Tortoises and a Travel Tip

On the IUCN Red List

 

 

These huge critters, Aldabra Giant Tortises (Geochelone gigantea) are in captivity.

Usually, I don't like to see wildlife, confined like this. 

But, if it's to save a species from going extinct, I guess it's for a worthy cause.

Here Comes the Travel Advice

 

Don't bring the children along during mating season; these critters are noisy.

It's just during the part where they're reproducing, though.

Once, I was going through a little zoo and, heard all this grunting and groaning. 

Some poor lady was standing nearby with her toddler, holding her hand.

The racket was loud enough for me to hear and, I'm practically deaf.

It seemed like most of the noise was coming from the turtle on the top of the pile.

It was guaranteed, that kid was going to ask mommy, "What are they doing?" 

So, I got embarrassed and, got the heck out of there.

Someday, I'll go back and make a recording of the noises for my audience.

But, not if there's any kids with mommies going through the place.

Learn more about these animals at ARKive

Wildlife Photo: Striated Heron (Butorides striata)

This bird had me stumped for awhile but, we gotterdun.

It's a Striated Heron, sometimes called Little Heron (Butorides striata).

They eat fish, bugs, frogs, snakes and when they're really hungry, other birds.

Learn more about them at ARKIVE 

 Whenever I get stuck trying to identify wildlife I post a few photos in the ID Forums at

BIRDFORUM

They have experts on everything, not just birds.

You can find snakes, turtles, bats, butterflies, trees, flowers and plants over there.

So what are you waiting for ?

Visit my website for today's Feature Photo 

Photo Essay Quiz: Which Turtle is the Dude ?

                There were a couple of turtles below the waterfall catching the rays of the sun.

                                                                      After taking a little nap

One wakes up

And decides it's time for a beer.

The other turtle babbling about the beautiful brook

Gets left behind.

Which turtle do you think is the Dude?

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:  TURTLE AND TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA


UPDATE:

An Alert Reader named Lindarama http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/Lindarama/
contacted me last night and I made a comment below that I thought she may have been a scientist.

She not only knew the scientific names of the turtles, she knew which one was the dude, too.

She is a scientist.  A Marine Biologist with a PHD ! 

The smaller turtle is the dude. The one that ran for beer must have been a gal.  I just kid around; don't think turtles really drink beer.  But, I know snails and my dogs do.  It kills snails.

Anyhow, if you want to do me a favor, say "Hi" to Lindarama over at the Stumble Channel or visit her awesome website http://www.kashgar.com.au/articles.  She has some interesting articles and collectibles over there.  So, I gave her a Thumbs Up and am going back to read some more.