December 1, 2023 • 26 mins
Amazing Wildlife spotlights the only native aquatic turtle species in California, the Pacific pond turtle. Rick and Marco are joined by Kim Gray, curator of herpetology and ichthyology at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, to find out why protecting and conserving these turtles will help our ecosystems as well. You’ll hear why this species is also called the Western pond turtle, learn about the riparian zone of an ecosystem, and discover a special program that helps these camouflage experts grow, so they can avoid being preyed upon by invasive species.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hi, I'm Rick Schwartz, wuenel zs World. I'm Marco went.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Welcome to Amazing Wildlife, where we explore unique stories of
wildlife from around the world and uncovered fascinating animal facts.
This podcast is a production of iHeartRadio's Ruby Studios and
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, in international nonprofit conservation organization
which oversees the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. All Right, Marco,
we wrapped up our last episode with you, shifting our
(00:30):
focus to the Southwest Hub, the conservation hub of San
Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance that is essentially our home, and
you are kind enough to give us a few hints
that led us to the wildlife we're focusing on for
today's episode. A species of pond turtle.
Speaker 3 (00:43):
That's right, Rick, and I want to remind our listeners
that the area we consider the Southwest Hub not only
covers the southwestern regions of the United States, but also
the north and northwestern regions of Mexico.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Oh. I appreciate your bringing that up, Marco, because in
all fairness, wildlife does not pay much attention to our
man made borders. They just want to live in the
ecosystem that they're part of. But I do have a
question for you.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Oh yeah, what's that, Rick?
Speaker 2 (01:08):
What made you decide to pick the pond turtle for
this episode?
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Well, you know, Amazing Wildlife has covered Galopicus tortoises, true,
and yeah, and the Mohave Desert.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Tortoise as well, that's true too, Yes.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Yeah, and you know I was kind of inspired to
look at something aquatic because our last two episodes were
based in the ocean's house.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Oh now, I see how you got all comes together?
That makes sense, That makes sense, And in all fairness,
you know, there are over three hundred species of turtles
that we know of on the planet today. So yeah,
let's show some love for these amazing reptiles.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Meg, I couldn't agree more.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
But before we get started, I want to make sure
our audience is familiar with a few things that might
come up during this interview.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
You're so thoughtful, Marco, What exactly do you think they
need to know?
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Well, I think it's worth noting that we're only talking
about one species of turtle in this episode, but that
one species has two common names. They can be called
a Pacific pond turtle, a Western pond turtle.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
That's right, very similar to the mountain lion, also having
many common names like cougar, catamount, or puma just to
name a few.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Oh, exactly, very good example.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
And the reason some species have multiple common names is
because they live across a large region of land and
sometimes even different countries, so humans in one area may
identify them as western pond turtle, while others identify them
as specific pond turtle.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Well, leave it to us humans to make things a
lot more complicated than they need to be. But I mean,
I guess it all makes sense and why that happens?
So what else do you have for our listeners?
Speaker 3 (02:35):
Only one more thing? Rick, all right, and that is
the word, right, parian.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
That's a good one because it's important to pond turtles,
but isn't a term often used by the general public.
So listen up, everyone, because this may be worth some
bonus points on Trivia Nite.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
Oh that's good, I'm about to drop some knowledge and
you're right, this will be excellent for Trivia Nite. Riparian
is the name of the ecosystem that is a terrestrial landscape,
or let's say, the land that is surrounding rivers and streams.
It's considered that transition area going from aquatic to dry
land and is recognized as a specific ecosystem.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
And a very important one at that. With a riparian ecosystem,
there are aquatic plants in wildlife, semi aquatic plants and
semi aquatic wildlife and so on, and they're not only
beneficial for all of that wildlife, but also for us too.
Healthy riparian ecosystems are responsible for helping reduce floodwater velocity,
controlling erosion, and maintaining healthy waters, something that we all need.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Oh no, definitely.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
And speaking of something we all need, we need to
head to the city to find out more about these turtles.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
All right, let's go then.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
My name is Kim Gray. I am the curator of
Herpetology and Ichthyology at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
That's a very long name.
Speaker 4 (03:51):
Yeah, it sounds like an interesting wildlife disease, but I
promise it's not. Herpetology and in theology. So herpetology is
the stuff body of reptiles and amphibians, and ichthyology is
the study of fish. So basically, I help our organization
take care of and study reptiles amphibians and fish.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
That's a lot. That is quite a bit. Well, it's
not only a mouthful, Budy. You think about how many
the population density of fish and reptiles across the world.
Right Obviously we don't have them all here represented the
San Diego Zoo in the Safari Park, but still that's
quite a bit. That's a lot. Yea, it is a lot.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Talking about the diversity too for everyone listening. He right
now too.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
We're in the beautiful San Diego Zeo right now. And
I always like to reference certain species. You can find it
more at one park or the zoo or the other.
So for me, when I think of like reptiles, it's
really all.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
About the zoo.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
I mean, you guys have amazing habitats.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Here right, thank you.
Speaker 4 (04:40):
Yeah, and we're well known for our beloved Reptile House,
so yes, we are in the area, come and visit
our reptiles.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
And anyone who's been listening over a couple of seasons
now you might recognize Kim's voice from the iguana episode
last season and also the Tuatara episode. And interesting the
Fijiana iguana and the tutar not always easy, especially Tutar.
You can't see on habitat, and the Virginia guana not
very easy to spot because he camouflage so well. But
today's topic are pond turtles. They've been here at the
(05:08):
zoo for a while. Some have been over to Elephant
Odyssey in the area over there to represent the turtles
and tortoises of the time of Elephant Odyssey. And then
also we've had some more recently at our Wildlife Explorers
base camp. And this is pretty exciting. We have some
stuff we're going to share with our audience today about
future plans for the pond turtles. But before we get
into where those turtles might end up, let's talk more
(05:31):
about the species themselves. Can you tell us, Kim? The
Pacific sometimes called Western pond turtle. So when I was
looking through the information, there was considered two populations, northern
and southern, but they weren't considered distinctly different species. But
you're telling me this morning.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
What right. So our colleagues have done genetics and we've
looked at morphology and they've distinguished two very distinct species.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Wow.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
Yeah, and possibly even a third that ranges down in Tapahak,
California in Mexico. But they're still evaluating that.
Speaker 3 (06:04):
Oh really, So, in case guests aren't familiar, how far
north can you find this turtle?
Speaker 4 (06:08):
Sure? So actually, originally there's evidence to show it ranged
up into Canada, where I'm originally from, in the Vancouver,
British Columbia area, So it historically ranged all that way.
But it's slowly become extinct. So it is extrapated or
extinct in Canada. And it was in big, big trouble
in Washington State throughout Oregon into northern California, and so
that's where partners many years ago started working on conservation
(06:31):
efforts for the species in Washington State, and so more
and more as we've seen this turtle kind of blinking
out in areas, we've all tried to step up and
help with conservation.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
Yeah, I mean everyone loves the turtle, right, you guys.
I mean ninja turtles, Q. The ninja turtle. It started
my love of turtles amazing, and I know all the
kids live them too. I mean, you think of turtles
and water and swamps and rivers, and in San Diego
that can be a little tricky to fun. But we
have our lakes, we have our rivers, right, and is
this the only turtle that we can find in San Diego?
Speaker 1 (07:02):
Is that right?
Speaker 4 (07:03):
Actually it is, it is. I know, we talked a
little bit briefly about the reptile amphibian diversity, right and
in North America. Actually we host the widest diversity of
turtles in the world, which people don't realize.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
I wouldn't have guessed that, I would think of some
World War trick exactly.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
But the Southeast United States is a biodiversity hotspot for turtles.
Over here on the West coast, mostly because of the habitat,
it's much drier, obviously, But the western pond turtle or
Pacific whichever American right there are California's only native freshwater turtle.
So they are our little guy and we got to
(07:40):
take care of them.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
Yeah, you had mentioned the numbers dropping in certain areas,
now not in Canada anymore, and of course seeing extinction
in certain population areas. What is the or I guess,
probably more than one thing. What are the challenges that
they're facing.
Speaker 4 (07:54):
So early on, it was assumed that introduced invasive species
was primary, and in some areas certainly that's the case,
but it varies from region to regions. So here in
the Southwest habitat loss and we had a lot of
sand mining in the area and just diversion of water
for dams in the Southwest, so lots of different things
(08:16):
impacted them. In the Pacific Northwest, it was also force practices,
so different things. And then fast forwarding now we're seeing
emerging wildlife diseases impacting them, and then additional invasive species,
so some historical ones such as crayfish and introduced non
native fish species. Lots of different tragic things affect them,
(08:38):
and in our area in particular, drought, especially because as
their habitat is reduced already, then we have catastrophic wildfires
and then drought on top of that, we're seeing their
numbers going down pretty quickly.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
I want to know more about this awesome turtle, Like
what are they do in the wild, Like what are
they hunting?
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Are they solitary animal? Like, tell me a little more
about them.
Speaker 4 (08:57):
Sure, so, I think they're beautiful.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
I'm looking at a picture you guys we have that
are saying the Kazoo wild Left Explorers page for the kids,
you guys, check it out.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
There's some really pretty picture.
Speaker 4 (09:07):
They really are. Each individual has a little bit of
an individual character, but it's kind of represented on their face.
They have really cute eyes and little do Yeah, they're cute.
I have to use the cute.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
I'm looking at it right.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
There's nothing wrong with saying, yeah, there are face I know.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
They really are. So they're camouflage experts. Clearly, they're designed
and have evolved their morphology to blend in. And if
you look at the habitat, they have these boulder outcrops
and small rocks, and so that's what they're designed to do.
They primarily will eat insects that are found in the streams,
they'll eat fish worms, and they're pretty much aquatic, fairly
(09:47):
aquatic species, but the females do use upland habitat. So
when we talk about conservation of aquatic species and riparian,
that means the aquatics space and adjacent habitat. The females
are very very loyal to their nesting sites and it
can be very difficult to track them and find out
where those nesting sites are, and so they will reuse
(10:08):
those same nesting sites year after year and sometimes almost
to the exact location.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
Really.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
So, yeah, when you protect species such as our pond turtle,
you got to think about that and find those locations
where the females are using that space as well. And
in fact that some of our past work we've done
is we've helped our partners, our agency partners, look at
techniques that might be used as tools in the future
for conservation efforts, such as headstarting our assurance population building.
(10:38):
So a headstart is where we take the little guys,
hatch them out, allow them to get big enough so
that the predators can't or the invasive species we talked
about can't impact them, and then release them. And they've
used those as models to see if it's possible and
how they've done in the well. So all the turtles
that we had released are all doing great. We hear
from our partners that they're doing really well. So those
(10:59):
little the idea is that that'll be the next cohort
to reproduce. These turtles can live to be forty fifty
years old. Wow, some of the ones we have were
known from the wild for over thirty years.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Oh really, so we don't.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
Know their full age. So they're long lived. They live
in the habitat a long time. They look kind of
like rocks, and they hang out.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
In English and you know you were saying of headstarts,
so people are aware, like when they're tiny, they're like
what I think I was reading, like the size of
a quarter?
Speaker 1 (11:25):
Is that right?
Speaker 3 (11:26):
Like that's like the perfect size for maybe one of
these invasive species. I was reading, like an African bullfrog
and just gobble one of them, all right, very yeah,
So when you're talking about the head start, you're letting
them get a little bigger. The description I read on
our website was the size of an English muffin.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
You know, that's what they use. But you're basically saying
you're gonna help them.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Grow a little bigger, right, so those African bullfrogs and
other invasive won't get the opportunity to munch on these
little local turtles right.
Speaker 4 (11:50):
Correct, correct, And like we talked about earlier in Washington State,
they've been doing that for many more years, and that
was the goal was to get them past that vulnerable stage.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Yeah. Yeah, And I think it's really important our audience
understands that sometimes we think about or hear about invasive
species like, oh, it's a big deal. If they can
live there, they can live there, that's fine. But the
impact in the Pacific pontrel here. Western contrel is a
great example where yes, those invasive species can live there,
but if they're going to wipe out annihilate a whole
generation of particular species, after those adults are no longer reproducing,
(12:23):
there's no one there anymore to create more offering, So
we lose that whole species because they're bite sized snacks
for a species that they didn't evolve to be living with.
So yeah, that's really really important. I appreciate you bringing
up that head Start program and some of the challenges
that they are facing. I know, and you'd mentioned we
have had something that have come in from the wild.
Talk about the ones that were brought in because of
(12:44):
the fire that happened years ago, and then where our
future might be.
Speaker 4 (12:48):
With them, right, Well, we always have, unfortunately, seasonal fires
in the region, and this one happened in September sixth
of twenty twenty. It was called the Bobcat Fire, and
it was September of two, twenty twenty, so we were
also dealing with the pandemic and it was a big
fire and it devastated over one hundred thousand acres of
the Angelus National Forest and some other adjacent areas and
(13:11):
there's other species that our colleagues and us work with
as well. Mount yellow and frogs are in the region,
and some critically endangered species of fish. So our partners,
even from the La Zoo and other areas, we all
jump to try to help. And we responded by taking
in as many turtles as they could find. It was
eleven at the time, and so we still have those
(13:33):
and we're taking care of them in preparation that their
habitat will soon be ready hopefully for them to go
back and be released. It's yeah, it's a sad story,
but it's a story that needs to be told because,
like you're mentioning, it's all these pressures add up, and
so these local turtle populations, they're impacted by their offspring
being consumed, so there's not as many young animals to
(13:55):
replace the adults. And then there's the fires, and then
there's the and then when we have these big rains
and I'll need you event or something that even impacts them.
So all these talks about how climate change is affecting
our native animals, it certainly these should be the ambassador
for that, right are.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Hundred percent And if guests actually wanted to get a
closer look at these animals and learn a little more.
There's some areas at the zoo that we can see
them correct and can you highlight some of those areas
and case're not aware.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
So in Elephant Odyssey we have extreme habitat and that
one's lovely. It looks really native, and that's an area
we talk about a lot of animals that we're here
in California during the Pleistocene era and have persisted. So
imagine these turtles have been in this area for a
very very long side. Yes, yeah, so we want to
make sure they stay here. So we're doing what we can.
(14:42):
And then also in the Wildlife Explorer's base camp, we
have a few and we have a few males that
our education team can use even as ambassador animals, so
people can get up close to them.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
Wonderful. So knowing all the challenges are facing, knowing what
the work is not only ourselves, but our partners in
their zoos are doing across the West to give them
headstart programs or talking about bringing those others back into
their native habitat now that habitat's been restored from the fire.
Why is this species important? Why should the average person
(15:13):
care about a Pacific pond turtle.
Speaker 4 (15:16):
That's a great question, and it can be difficult for
guests to get out up to these spaces and see
them in the wild, but they are an important part
of that riparian habitat that we talked about the stream
habitats in California, and being California's only native freshwater turtle
that plays a key role in that environment. They're a
higher predator species and so they help maintain that balance
(15:38):
in our local streams. And additionally, as we mentioned North American,
particularly the United States, being a hot spot for turtle diversity,
they're under a lot of threat and so I think
all of the turtles in North America need some level
of protection and preserving. So whether you get the opportunity
to see them out there in the wild, they are.
All of them are maintained, helping maintain our natural habitats
(16:01):
by playing those key roles. And they've certainly been here
so long, so whether they're eating invertebrates and help keeping
this stream ecosystem going or being food for other native animals,
they play that important role. So having them there and
also there again, I'll say it, they're cute.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Well and that's just it. That's just it. You know.
I remember years ago talking to one of our partners
in Africa about elephant conservation, and we can list, just
like you did, all the important roles this animal plays
in the ecosystem, part of the web of life, all
that stuff. But then also there's just the iconic side
of it. This is California's only native turtle species. What
(16:42):
does it say about us as a species, ourselves if
we can't step up and make sure that that iconic
species stays with us on this planet and doesn't go
extinct because of our behavior, right, I mean, that's that's
kind of a big deal.
Speaker 4 (16:54):
Yeah kidding, And especially for us in California and anyone
in the Southwest, we know how critical water is to
us and dealing with drought, and again speaking of an
animal that can be a little ambassador for this is
if we can protect the turtle, that means we're protecting
the water that is critical for us and our habitats
that we love, we enjoy, we go camping, we go fishing,
(17:16):
and all of those things that we love about California.
That's key. And so if again, if we can protect
and conserve the turtle, then we're doing our own selves
a great justice.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
Too, exactly like that one health concept. All right, we
talk about it all the time, you know, helping out wildlife.
It's going to help out those communities living side by side.
And to Rick's point two, I got to say, you know,
like I'm a native San Diego, you guys, I love
the wildlife we have her and you know at the
zoo and the park, we all get excited when we
talk about the tiger and the elephant. But Trew Man, right,
but we have so much cool wildlife, you guys here
(17:48):
in San Diego.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
If you're driving, look around.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
If you are driving a look at the steering wheel,
but check out the natural environment around you, right this
dry sage where it's the beaches of forest here. I mean,
we have so much cool wildlife. And I'm still blown
away the only native.
Speaker 1 (18:02):
Turtle that we have here in San Diego.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
And we were talking about this earlier, Like I grew
up in Escondido and I'd go to like Hodges a
lot a lot of these right parent areas too and
appreciate all the amazing wildlife. And I would see, you know,
some other turtle species. Now realizing some invasives out there too.
The red aired slider is one of them, right, right,
And I think it was a back to that show
I love the Ninja Turtle. I think it was a
fat at one point, you know, we see something exciting
(18:25):
and then oh and all the little kids want to
go out there and buy a ninja turtle. Was for Dalmatians.
It was the particular puppy, right, And these things happen.
We get excited. We were just saying we love wildlife.
But now as I get older, I'm seeing more and
more of these red aired sliders in different areas. Can
can you talk a little bit about that and how
we're influencing local habitats with this particular species, you know,
(18:45):
I mean even for kids, what would you say, I mean,
is it a good idea to have a turtle? If so,
what would your grimmend? Or if not?
Speaker 1 (18:52):
You know, what would you say? What would say with
those kids out there?
Speaker 4 (18:55):
That's a great question. I think the first thing that
I would suggest is do your homework. And I know
home Mark is not for kids, but especially for mom
and dad to help is it's a long term commitment.
These turtles live to be thirty forty fifty years old.
Some tortoises we have can live to be over one
hundred our galapagus tortoises. So it's a very long commitment
(19:17):
to animals that do require special needs. Pond turtles in particular,
or any aquatic species require like really good water filtration,
a good diet, and that means a lot of cleaning,
and it's a lot of work for kids, which translates
to a lot of work for mom and.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Dad say so yeah.
Speaker 4 (19:36):
Or auntie and uncle depending. But it's just again for
the red eared sliders, they are actually I think the
number one, if not up there for the Ayucen red
lists their most invasive species.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
Oh really globally speed and why is that? The pet
trade Okay.
Speaker 4 (19:53):
And so want them because it's such a commitment. So
having pets is you know, it's difficult. So one the
thing I would suggest is do your homework. Yeah, and
then maybe think about getting a local membership at your
zoo or aquarium and you can go visit your favorite
turtles every day. We have other Alliance colleagues who have
amazing websites, like the Turtle Survival Alliance has a fantastic
(20:15):
website that offers a lot more information where you can
even like adopt conservation programs. And then regionally too, some
cities have local reptile and Amphibian societies or turtle and
tortoise societies, so folks can do a little bit more
homework there and look into that. But certainly I would
suggest not jumping into getting a pet turtle right away.
(20:36):
Do a lot of homework and maybe contact your local
zoo or aquarium and ask for advice. A lot of
times what the education departments can offer alternative ideas.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
That's such a great point because we were talking earlier
before we started recording that as humans we start to
feel a connection to certain animals, and you know, we're saying,
how cute the pond turtle is, right, well, cute leads
to all I want, right, getten's cute. I want to
get in and we fall in love with the idea
of having that cuteness in our life daily, and so
then we want to go to the pet store and
(21:06):
get one. And I love that you brought up that
so many cities and communities have turtle groups or clubs
because a lot of them have rescues, and so instead
of getting another pet that's going to potentially get released.
If you start educating yourself through these clubs, you learn
about what kind of commitment it is, and maybe you
can be a part of the club without necessarily having
to purchase another turtle somewhere or to your point, Kim,
(21:27):
go to your local zoo or aquarium, get that membership,
go see them every day because it is Although yes,
we want to be with that cuteness and have that
in our lives, we also have to respect the fact
that this is a living creature that will live forty
fifty years. I really appreciate you sharing that because I
think it's important for people to really understand that conservation
doesn't mean you have it as a pet. Conservation means
that you look into how can you support those ecosystems
(21:49):
and those individual species in their native habitat right.
Speaker 4 (21:53):
Right and again, Mark, you mentioned like these unwanted pets,
once they realize how much work it is, people are
tending to just release them, and we advocate that you
contact your local Reptail and Fibbian Society or Turtle and
Tortoise Society and finding a place for an adoption and
talk to people in your community that are experienced and
they'll help you great advice.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
Yeah, I mean it's a good point.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
I mean, admittedly, you guys I had when I was
a little and but luckily I had a neighbor who
was willing to adopt my turtle because well, you guys said,
I'll admit it, momm if you're listening, you took care
of the turtle and it was too much work. It
was a little stinky water too, I met up. But yeah,
we we affect with our decisions every day where we
can affect our environment.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
So that's really really good advice. I appreciate that.
Speaker 3 (22:33):
There's a question Rick always asks I I love and
I'm really curious to your answers for this one is
like what got you into reptiles?
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Is something happened as a kid, or this is later
on in life?
Speaker 2 (22:43):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 1 (22:44):
I mean in a bad way, right, that's what I mean.
Tell me what's up with the reptiles?
Speaker 4 (22:50):
Love this question too, because sometimes it translates. Also, it's like,
what is your favorite animal? Of course it's reptiles, But
I can't just pick one. I have always wanted to
do what I do right now. Always I can't remember
thinking of anything else I wanted to do. I remember
being really really little and going to my local zoo
at the time. It was just Cinna Boyine zoo and
going and just being in love with reptiles and amphibians
(23:12):
in particular snakes, and I wanted to work with King Kopres.
Speaker 2 (23:16):
They're beautiful, yes, but they are gorgeous.
Speaker 4 (23:21):
It's just very smart. So I don't know. I just
that's all I've wanted from dayah, from day one.
Speaker 2 (23:27):
I love it. I love it well, Kim, thank you
so much for taking the time time.
Speaker 4 (23:31):
It's so much fun.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
I love the story of the pond Turtle. I love
that although it's facing so many challenges, so many people
are stepping up to help it out to prevent its extinction.
Our zoo, other zoos, other organizations. You mentioned the Turtle
Survival Alliance, and again I want to give a shout
out to them because, like you said, their website is
filled with so much great information. If there's a turtle
lover out there, yes, support your local zoo, but also
(23:54):
check out of the resources like the Turtle Survival Alliance.
It's wonderful. Thank you so much, Kim, Thank you guys,
thank you. I just love doing this podcast, being able
to talk to so many people who have followed their
passion and are now living their dream. It's just so inspiring.
Speaker 3 (24:11):
Oh, I know, I love it really And the best
part is the one thing that connects it all together,
the wildlife.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
Ah, that's true. And to take it a little beyond
the passion that connects us all to wildlife. Almost every
person we have talked to this season has also pointed
out the bigger connection. Like Kim said about protecting the
pond turtles, when we work to solve the human made
challenges that wildlife faces, were also taking care of the
ecosystems that we need for our survival too, like healthy
(24:38):
waterways exactly.
Speaker 3 (24:40):
And even if you do not live in areas where
the pond turtles are, it's always good to remember that
you and your local wildlife need healthy waterways, So be
thoughtful about what goes down the storm drains. Most storm
drains were designed with the rain water runoff in mind,
so you know, they tend to go directly to the
local waterways. I mean it could be a creek, a river,
(25:00):
or even a lake, and most of those eventually make
their way into the ocean.
Speaker 2 (25:04):
Great reminder, Marco and we all live downstream from someone,
and someone lives downstream from us, So it's always a
good idea to keep trash and pollution out of storm dreams,
so we can keep our local ecosystem healthy.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
Oh definitely. Oh but you know what, Rick, that actually
gives me an idea.
Speaker 2 (25:18):
What's that? Marco?
Speaker 1 (25:19):
Well, you know you said.
Speaker 3 (25:21):
Local ecosystem, and you know it kind of got me thinking,
how do you.
Speaker 1 (25:24):
Feel about sticking with the Southwest? Up for the next episode.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
A great minds thinking like Marco, wait.
Speaker 1 (25:30):
Are you thinking what I am thinking? So far?
Speaker 2 (25:33):
Biodiversity Reserve perfect. Be sure to subscribe and tune into
our next episode, in which Marco and I head into
the hills above the Safari Park to learn more about
our local biodiversity reserve and the amazing amount of mammals, birds, reptiles,
and plants they call it home.
Speaker 1 (25:52):
Marco Wentz and I'm Rick Schwartz.
Speaker 2 (25:54):
Thanks for listening. For more information about the San Diego
Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, go to SDZWA
dot org. Amazing Wildlife is a production of iHeartRadio's Ruby Studios.
Our supervising producer is Nikiah Swinton and our sound designer
and editor is Sierra Spreen. For more shows from iHeartRadio,
(26:15):
check out the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you
listen to your favorite shows.
Hi, I'm Rick Schwartz, wuenel zs World. I'm Marco went.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Welcome to Amazing Wildlife, where we explore unique stories of
wildlife from around the world and uncovered fascinating animal facts.
This podcast is a production of iHeartRadio's Ruby Studios and
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, in international nonprofit conservation organization
which oversees the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. All Right, Marco,
we wrapped up our last episode with you, shifting our
(00:30):
focus to the Southwest Hub, the conservation hub of San
Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance that is essentially our home, and
you are kind enough to give us a few hints
that led us to the wildlife we're focusing on for
today's episode. A species of pond turtle.
Speaker 3 (00:43):
That's right, Rick, and I want to remind our listeners
that the area we consider the Southwest Hub not only
covers the southwestern regions of the United States, but also
the north and northwestern regions of Mexico.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Oh. I appreciate your bringing that up, Marco, because in
all fairness, wildlife does not pay much attention to our
man made borders. They just want to live in the
ecosystem that they're part of. But I do have a
question for you.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Oh yeah, what's that, Rick?
Speaker 2 (01:08):
What made you decide to pick the pond turtle for
this episode?
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Well, you know, Amazing Wildlife has covered Galopicus tortoises, true,
and yeah, and the Mohave Desert.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Tortoise as well, that's true too, Yes.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Yeah, and you know I was kind of inspired to
look at something aquatic because our last two episodes were
based in the ocean's house.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Oh now, I see how you got all comes together?
That makes sense, That makes sense, And in all fairness,
you know, there are over three hundred species of turtles
that we know of on the planet today. So yeah,
let's show some love for these amazing reptiles.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Meg, I couldn't agree more.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
But before we get started, I want to make sure
our audience is familiar with a few things that might
come up during this interview.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
You're so thoughtful, Marco, What exactly do you think they
need to know?
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Well, I think it's worth noting that we're only talking
about one species of turtle in this episode, but that
one species has two common names. They can be called
a Pacific pond turtle, a Western pond turtle.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
That's right, very similar to the mountain lion, also having
many common names like cougar, catamount, or puma just to
name a few.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Oh, exactly, very good example.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
And the reason some species have multiple common names is
because they live across a large region of land and
sometimes even different countries, so humans in one area may
identify them as western pond turtle, while others identify them
as specific pond turtle.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Well, leave it to us humans to make things a
lot more complicated than they need to be. But I mean,
I guess it all makes sense and why that happens?
So what else do you have for our listeners?
Speaker 3 (02:35):
Only one more thing? Rick, all right, and that is
the word, right, parian.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
That's a good one because it's important to pond turtles,
but isn't a term often used by the general public.
So listen up, everyone, because this may be worth some
bonus points on Trivia Nite.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
Oh that's good, I'm about to drop some knowledge and
you're right, this will be excellent for Trivia Nite. Riparian
is the name of the ecosystem that is a terrestrial landscape,
or let's say, the land that is surrounding rivers and streams.
It's considered that transition area going from aquatic to dry
land and is recognized as a specific ecosystem.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
And a very important one at that. With a riparian ecosystem,
there are aquatic plants in wildlife, semi aquatic plants and
semi aquatic wildlife and so on, and they're not only
beneficial for all of that wildlife, but also for us too.
Healthy riparian ecosystems are responsible for helping reduce floodwater velocity,
controlling erosion, and maintaining healthy waters, something that we all need.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Oh no, definitely.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
And speaking of something we all need, we need to
head to the city to find out more about these turtles.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
All right, let's go then.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
My name is Kim Gray. I am the curator of
Herpetology and Ichthyology at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
That's a very long name.
Speaker 4 (03:51):
Yeah, it sounds like an interesting wildlife disease, but I
promise it's not. Herpetology and in theology. So herpetology is
the stuff body of reptiles and amphibians, and ichthyology is
the study of fish. So basically, I help our organization
take care of and study reptiles amphibians and fish.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
That's a lot. That is quite a bit. Well, it's
not only a mouthful, Budy. You think about how many
the population density of fish and reptiles across the world.
Right Obviously we don't have them all here represented the
San Diego Zoo in the Safari Park, but still that's
quite a bit. That's a lot. Yea, it is a lot.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Talking about the diversity too for everyone listening. He right
now too.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
We're in the beautiful San Diego Zeo right now. And
I always like to reference certain species. You can find it
more at one park or the zoo or the other.
So for me, when I think of like reptiles, it's
really all.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
About the zoo.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
I mean, you guys have amazing habitats.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Here right, thank you.
Speaker 4 (04:40):
Yeah, and we're well known for our beloved Reptile House,
so yes, we are in the area, come and visit
our reptiles.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
And anyone who's been listening over a couple of seasons
now you might recognize Kim's voice from the iguana episode
last season and also the Tuatara episode. And interesting the
Fijiana iguana and the tutar not always easy, especially Tutar.
You can't see on habitat, and the Virginia guana not
very easy to spot because he camouflage so well. But
today's topic are pond turtles. They've been here at the
(05:08):
zoo for a while. Some have been over to Elephant
Odyssey in the area over there to represent the turtles
and tortoises of the time of Elephant Odyssey. And then
also we've had some more recently at our Wildlife Explorers
base camp. And this is pretty exciting. We have some
stuff we're going to share with our audience today about
future plans for the pond turtles. But before we get
into where those turtles might end up, let's talk more
(05:31):
about the species themselves. Can you tell us, Kim? The
Pacific sometimes called Western pond turtle. So when I was
looking through the information, there was considered two populations, northern
and southern, but they weren't considered distinctly different species. But
you're telling me this morning.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
What right. So our colleagues have done genetics and we've
looked at morphology and they've distinguished two very distinct species.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Wow.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
Yeah, and possibly even a third that ranges down in Tapahak,
California in Mexico. But they're still evaluating that.
Speaker 3 (06:04):
Oh really, So, in case guests aren't familiar, how far
north can you find this turtle?
Speaker 4 (06:08):
Sure? So actually, originally there's evidence to show it ranged
up into Canada, where I'm originally from, in the Vancouver,
British Columbia area, So it historically ranged all that way.
But it's slowly become extinct. So it is extrapated or
extinct in Canada. And it was in big, big trouble
in Washington State throughout Oregon into northern California, and so
that's where partners many years ago started working on conservation
(06:31):
efforts for the species in Washington State, and so more
and more as we've seen this turtle kind of blinking
out in areas, we've all tried to step up and
help with conservation.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
Yeah, I mean everyone loves the turtle, right, you guys.
I mean ninja turtles, Q. The ninja turtle. It started
my love of turtles amazing, and I know all the
kids live them too. I mean, you think of turtles
and water and swamps and rivers, and in San Diego
that can be a little tricky to fun. But we
have our lakes, we have our rivers, right, and is
this the only turtle that we can find in San Diego?
Speaker 1 (07:02):
Is that right?
Speaker 4 (07:03):
Actually it is, it is. I know, we talked a
little bit briefly about the reptile amphibian diversity, right and
in North America. Actually we host the widest diversity of
turtles in the world, which people don't realize.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
I wouldn't have guessed that, I would think of some
World War trick exactly.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
But the Southeast United States is a biodiversity hotspot for turtles.
Over here on the West coast, mostly because of the habitat,
it's much drier, obviously, But the western pond turtle or
Pacific whichever American right there are California's only native freshwater turtle.
So they are our little guy and we got to
(07:40):
take care of them.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
Yeah, you had mentioned the numbers dropping in certain areas,
now not in Canada anymore, and of course seeing extinction
in certain population areas. What is the or I guess,
probably more than one thing. What are the challenges that
they're facing.
Speaker 4 (07:54):
So early on, it was assumed that introduced invasive species
was primary, and in some areas certainly that's the case,
but it varies from region to regions. So here in
the Southwest habitat loss and we had a lot of
sand mining in the area and just diversion of water
for dams in the Southwest, so lots of different things
(08:16):
impacted them. In the Pacific Northwest, it was also force practices,
so different things. And then fast forwarding now we're seeing
emerging wildlife diseases impacting them, and then additional invasive species,
so some historical ones such as crayfish and introduced non
native fish species. Lots of different tragic things affect them,
(08:38):
and in our area in particular, drought, especially because as
their habitat is reduced already, then we have catastrophic wildfires
and then drought on top of that, we're seeing their
numbers going down pretty quickly.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
I want to know more about this awesome turtle, Like
what are they do in the wild, Like what are
they hunting?
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Are they solitary animal? Like, tell me a little more
about them.
Speaker 4 (08:57):
Sure, so, I think they're beautiful.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
I'm looking at a picture you guys we have that
are saying the Kazoo wild Left Explorers page for the kids,
you guys, check it out.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
There's some really pretty picture.
Speaker 4 (09:07):
They really are. Each individual has a little bit of
an individual character, but it's kind of represented on their face.
They have really cute eyes and little do Yeah, they're cute.
I have to use the cute.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
I'm looking at it right.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
There's nothing wrong with saying, yeah, there are face I know.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
They really are. So they're camouflage experts. Clearly, they're designed
and have evolved their morphology to blend in. And if
you look at the habitat, they have these boulder outcrops
and small rocks, and so that's what they're designed to do.
They primarily will eat insects that are found in the streams,
they'll eat fish worms, and they're pretty much aquatic, fairly
(09:47):
aquatic species, but the females do use upland habitat. So
when we talk about conservation of aquatic species and riparian,
that means the aquatics space and adjacent habitat. The females
are very very loyal to their nesting sites and it
can be very difficult to track them and find out
where those nesting sites are, and so they will reuse
(10:08):
those same nesting sites year after year and sometimes almost
to the exact location.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
Really.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
So, yeah, when you protect species such as our pond turtle,
you got to think about that and find those locations
where the females are using that space as well. And
in fact that some of our past work we've done
is we've helped our partners, our agency partners, look at
techniques that might be used as tools in the future
for conservation efforts, such as headstarting our assurance population building.
(10:38):
So a headstart is where we take the little guys,
hatch them out, allow them to get big enough so
that the predators can't or the invasive species we talked
about can't impact them, and then release them. And they've
used those as models to see if it's possible and
how they've done in the well. So all the turtles
that we had released are all doing great. We hear
from our partners that they're doing really well. So those
(10:59):
little the idea is that that'll be the next cohort
to reproduce. These turtles can live to be forty fifty
years old. Wow, some of the ones we have were
known from the wild for over thirty years.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Oh really, so we don't.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
Know their full age. So they're long lived. They live
in the habitat a long time. They look kind of
like rocks, and they hang out.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
In English and you know you were saying of headstarts,
so people are aware, like when they're tiny, they're like
what I think I was reading, like the size of
a quarter?
Speaker 1 (11:25):
Is that right?
Speaker 3 (11:26):
Like that's like the perfect size for maybe one of
these invasive species. I was reading, like an African bullfrog
and just gobble one of them, all right, very yeah,
So when you're talking about the head start, you're letting
them get a little bigger. The description I read on
our website was the size of an English muffin.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
You know, that's what they use. But you're basically saying
you're gonna help them.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Grow a little bigger, right, so those African bullfrogs and
other invasive won't get the opportunity to munch on these
little local turtles right.
Speaker 4 (11:50):
Correct, correct, And like we talked about earlier in Washington State,
they've been doing that for many more years, and that
was the goal was to get them past that vulnerable stage.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Yeah. Yeah, And I think it's really important our audience
understands that sometimes we think about or hear about invasive
species like, oh, it's a big deal. If they can
live there, they can live there, that's fine. But the
impact in the Pacific pontrel here. Western contrel is a
great example where yes, those invasive species can live there,
but if they're going to wipe out annihilate a whole
generation of particular species, after those adults are no longer reproducing,
(12:23):
there's no one there anymore to create more offering, So
we lose that whole species because they're bite sized snacks
for a species that they didn't evolve to be living with.
So yeah, that's really really important. I appreciate you bringing
up that head Start program and some of the challenges
that they are facing. I know, and you'd mentioned we
have had something that have come in from the wild.
Talk about the ones that were brought in because of
(12:44):
the fire that happened years ago, and then where our
future might be.
Speaker 4 (12:48):
With them, right, Well, we always have, unfortunately, seasonal fires
in the region, and this one happened in September sixth
of twenty twenty. It was called the Bobcat Fire, and
it was September of two, twenty twenty, so we were
also dealing with the pandemic and it was a big
fire and it devastated over one hundred thousand acres of
the Angelus National Forest and some other adjacent areas and
(13:11):
there's other species that our colleagues and us work with
as well. Mount yellow and frogs are in the region,
and some critically endangered species of fish. So our partners,
even from the La Zoo and other areas, we all
jump to try to help. And we responded by taking
in as many turtles as they could find. It was
eleven at the time, and so we still have those
(13:33):
and we're taking care of them in preparation that their
habitat will soon be ready hopefully for them to go
back and be released. It's yeah, it's a sad story,
but it's a story that needs to be told because,
like you're mentioning, it's all these pressures add up, and
so these local turtle populations, they're impacted by their offspring
being consumed, so there's not as many young animals to
(13:55):
replace the adults. And then there's the fires, and then
there's the and then when we have these big rains
and I'll need you event or something that even impacts them.
So all these talks about how climate change is affecting
our native animals, it certainly these should be the ambassador
for that, right are.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Hundred percent And if guests actually wanted to get a
closer look at these animals and learn a little more.
There's some areas at the zoo that we can see
them correct and can you highlight some of those areas
and case're not aware.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
So in Elephant Odyssey we have extreme habitat and that
one's lovely. It looks really native, and that's an area
we talk about a lot of animals that we're here
in California during the Pleistocene era and have persisted. So
imagine these turtles have been in this area for a
very very long side. Yes, yeah, so we want to
make sure they stay here. So we're doing what we can.
(14:42):
And then also in the Wildlife Explorer's base camp, we
have a few and we have a few males that
our education team can use even as ambassador animals, so
people can get up close to them.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
Wonderful. So knowing all the challenges are facing, knowing what
the work is not only ourselves, but our partners in
their zoos are doing across the West to give them
headstart programs or talking about bringing those others back into
their native habitat now that habitat's been restored from the fire.
Why is this species important? Why should the average person
(15:13):
care about a Pacific pond turtle.
Speaker 4 (15:16):
That's a great question, and it can be difficult for
guests to get out up to these spaces and see
them in the wild, but they are an important part
of that riparian habitat that we talked about the stream
habitats in California, and being California's only native freshwater turtle
that plays a key role in that environment. They're a
higher predator species and so they help maintain that balance
(15:38):
in our local streams. And additionally, as we mentioned North American,
particularly the United States, being a hot spot for turtle diversity,
they're under a lot of threat and so I think
all of the turtles in North America need some level
of protection and preserving. So whether you get the opportunity
to see them out there in the wild, they are.
All of them are maintained, helping maintain our natural habitats
(16:01):
by playing those key roles. And they've certainly been here
so long, so whether they're eating invertebrates and help keeping
this stream ecosystem going or being food for other native animals,
they play that important role. So having them there and
also there again, I'll say it, they're cute.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Well and that's just it. That's just it. You know.
I remember years ago talking to one of our partners
in Africa about elephant conservation, and we can list, just
like you did, all the important roles this animal plays
in the ecosystem, part of the web of life, all
that stuff. But then also there's just the iconic side
of it. This is California's only native turtle species. What
(16:42):
does it say about us as a species, ourselves if
we can't step up and make sure that that iconic
species stays with us on this planet and doesn't go
extinct because of our behavior, right, I mean, that's that's
kind of a big deal.
Speaker 4 (16:54):
Yeah kidding, And especially for us in California and anyone
in the Southwest, we know how critical water is to
us and dealing with drought, and again speaking of an
animal that can be a little ambassador for this is
if we can protect the turtle, that means we're protecting
the water that is critical for us and our habitats
that we love, we enjoy, we go camping, we go fishing,
(17:16):
and all of those things that we love about California.
That's key. And so if again, if we can protect
and conserve the turtle, then we're doing our own selves
a great justice.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
Too, exactly like that one health concept. All right, we
talk about it all the time, you know, helping out wildlife.
It's going to help out those communities living side by side.
And to Rick's point two, I got to say, you know,
like I'm a native San Diego, you guys, I love
the wildlife we have her and you know at the
zoo and the park, we all get excited when we
talk about the tiger and the elephant. But Trew Man, right,
but we have so much cool wildlife, you guys here
(17:48):
in San Diego.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
If you're driving, look around.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
If you are driving a look at the steering wheel,
but check out the natural environment around you, right this
dry sage where it's the beaches of forest here. I mean,
we have so much cool wildlife. And I'm still blown
away the only native.
Speaker 1 (18:02):
Turtle that we have here in San Diego.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
And we were talking about this earlier, Like I grew
up in Escondido and I'd go to like Hodges a
lot a lot of these right parent areas too and
appreciate all the amazing wildlife. And I would see, you know,
some other turtle species. Now realizing some invasives out there too.
The red aired slider is one of them, right, right,
And I think it was a back to that show
I love the Ninja Turtle. I think it was a
fat at one point, you know, we see something exciting
(18:25):
and then oh and all the little kids want to
go out there and buy a ninja turtle. Was for Dalmatians.
It was the particular puppy, right, And these things happen.
We get excited. We were just saying we love wildlife.
But now as I get older, I'm seeing more and
more of these red aired sliders in different areas. Can
can you talk a little bit about that and how
we're influencing local habitats with this particular species, you know,
(18:45):
I mean even for kids, what would you say, I mean,
is it a good idea to have a turtle? If so,
what would your grimmend? Or if not?
Speaker 1 (18:52):
You know, what would you say? What would say with
those kids out there?
Speaker 4 (18:55):
That's a great question. I think the first thing that
I would suggest is do your homework. And I know
home Mark is not for kids, but especially for mom
and dad to help is it's a long term commitment.
These turtles live to be thirty forty fifty years old.
Some tortoises we have can live to be over one
hundred our galapagus tortoises. So it's a very long commitment
(19:17):
to animals that do require special needs. Pond turtles in particular,
or any aquatic species require like really good water filtration,
a good diet, and that means a lot of cleaning,
and it's a lot of work for kids, which translates
to a lot of work for mom and.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Dad say so yeah.
Speaker 4 (19:36):
Or auntie and uncle depending. But it's just again for
the red eared sliders, they are actually I think the
number one, if not up there for the Ayucen red
lists their most invasive species.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
Oh really globally speed and why is that? The pet
trade Okay.
Speaker 4 (19:53):
And so want them because it's such a commitment. So
having pets is you know, it's difficult. So one the
thing I would suggest is do your homework. Yeah, and
then maybe think about getting a local membership at your
zoo or aquarium and you can go visit your favorite
turtles every day. We have other Alliance colleagues who have
amazing websites, like the Turtle Survival Alliance has a fantastic
(20:15):
website that offers a lot more information where you can
even like adopt conservation programs. And then regionally too, some
cities have local reptile and Amphibian societies or turtle and
tortoise societies, so folks can do a little bit more
homework there and look into that. But certainly I would
suggest not jumping into getting a pet turtle right away.
(20:36):
Do a lot of homework and maybe contact your local
zoo or aquarium and ask for advice. A lot of
times what the education departments can offer alternative ideas.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
That's such a great point because we were talking earlier
before we started recording that as humans we start to
feel a connection to certain animals, and you know, we're saying,
how cute the pond turtle is, right, well, cute leads
to all I want, right, getten's cute. I want to
get in and we fall in love with the idea
of having that cuteness in our life daily, and so
then we want to go to the pet store and
(21:06):
get one. And I love that you brought up that
so many cities and communities have turtle groups or clubs
because a lot of them have rescues, and so instead
of getting another pet that's going to potentially get released.
If you start educating yourself through these clubs, you learn
about what kind of commitment it is, and maybe you
can be a part of the club without necessarily having
to purchase another turtle somewhere or to your point, Kim,
(21:27):
go to your local zoo or aquarium, get that membership,
go see them every day because it is Although yes,
we want to be with that cuteness and have that
in our lives, we also have to respect the fact
that this is a living creature that will live forty
fifty years. I really appreciate you sharing that because I
think it's important for people to really understand that conservation
doesn't mean you have it as a pet. Conservation means
that you look into how can you support those ecosystems
(21:49):
and those individual species in their native habitat right.
Speaker 4 (21:53):
Right and again, Mark, you mentioned like these unwanted pets,
once they realize how much work it is, people are
tending to just release them, and we advocate that you
contact your local Reptail and Fibbian Society or Turtle and
Tortoise Society and finding a place for an adoption and
talk to people in your community that are experienced and
they'll help you great advice.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
Yeah, I mean it's a good point.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
I mean, admittedly, you guys I had when I was
a little and but luckily I had a neighbor who
was willing to adopt my turtle because well, you guys said,
I'll admit it, momm if you're listening, you took care
of the turtle and it was too much work. It
was a little stinky water too, I met up. But yeah,
we we affect with our decisions every day where we
can affect our environment.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
So that's really really good advice. I appreciate that.
Speaker 3 (22:33):
There's a question Rick always asks I I love and
I'm really curious to your answers for this one is
like what got you into reptiles?
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Is something happened as a kid, or this is later
on in life?
Speaker 2 (22:43):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 1 (22:44):
I mean in a bad way, right, that's what I mean.
Tell me what's up with the reptiles?
Speaker 4 (22:50):
Love this question too, because sometimes it translates. Also, it's like,
what is your favorite animal? Of course it's reptiles, But
I can't just pick one. I have always wanted to
do what I do right now. Always I can't remember
thinking of anything else I wanted to do. I remember
being really really little and going to my local zoo
at the time. It was just Cinna Boyine zoo and
going and just being in love with reptiles and amphibians
(23:12):
in particular snakes, and I wanted to work with King Kopres.
Speaker 2 (23:16):
They're beautiful, yes, but they are gorgeous.
Speaker 4 (23:21):
It's just very smart. So I don't know. I just
that's all I've wanted from dayah, from day one.
Speaker 2 (23:27):
I love it. I love it well, Kim, thank you
so much for taking the time time.
Speaker 4 (23:31):
It's so much fun.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
I love the story of the pond Turtle. I love
that although it's facing so many challenges, so many people
are stepping up to help it out to prevent its extinction.
Our zoo, other zoos, other organizations. You mentioned the Turtle
Survival Alliance, and again I want to give a shout
out to them because, like you said, their website is
filled with so much great information. If there's a turtle
lover out there, yes, support your local zoo, but also
(23:54):
check out of the resources like the Turtle Survival Alliance.
It's wonderful. Thank you so much, Kim, Thank you guys,
thank you. I just love doing this podcast, being able
to talk to so many people who have followed their
passion and are now living their dream. It's just so inspiring.
Speaker 3 (24:11):
Oh, I know, I love it really And the best
part is the one thing that connects it all together,
the wildlife.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
Ah, that's true. And to take it a little beyond
the passion that connects us all to wildlife. Almost every
person we have talked to this season has also pointed
out the bigger connection. Like Kim said about protecting the
pond turtles, when we work to solve the human made
challenges that wildlife faces, were also taking care of the
ecosystems that we need for our survival too, like healthy
(24:38):
waterways exactly.
Speaker 3 (24:40):
And even if you do not live in areas where
the pond turtles are, it's always good to remember that
you and your local wildlife need healthy waterways, So be
thoughtful about what goes down the storm drains. Most storm
drains were designed with the rain water runoff in mind,
so you know, they tend to go directly to the
local waterways. I mean it could be a creek, a river,
(25:00):
or even a lake, and most of those eventually make
their way into the ocean.
Speaker 2 (25:04):
Great reminder, Marco and we all live downstream from someone,
and someone lives downstream from us, So it's always a
good idea to keep trash and pollution out of storm dreams,
so we can keep our local ecosystem healthy.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
Oh definitely. Oh but you know what, Rick, that actually
gives me an idea.
Speaker 2 (25:18):
What's that? Marco?
Speaker 1 (25:19):
Well, you know you said.
Speaker 3 (25:21):
Local ecosystem, and you know it kind of got me thinking,
how do you.
Speaker 1 (25:24):
Feel about sticking with the Southwest? Up for the next episode.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
A great minds thinking like Marco, wait.
Speaker 1 (25:30):
Are you thinking what I am thinking? So far?
Speaker 2 (25:33):
Biodiversity Reserve perfect. Be sure to subscribe and tune into
our next episode, in which Marco and I head into
the hills above the Safari Park to learn more about
our local biodiversity reserve and the amazing amount of mammals, birds, reptiles,
and plants they call it home.
Speaker 1 (25:52):
Marco Wentz and I'm Rick Schwartz.
Speaker 2 (25:54):
Thanks for listening. For more information about the San Diego
Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, go to SDZWA
dot org. Amazing Wildlife is a production of iHeartRadio's Ruby Studios.
Our supervising producer is Nikiah Swinton and our sound designer
and editor is Sierra Spreen. For more shows from iHeartRadio,
(26:15):
check out the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you
listen to your favorite shows.
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