KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Zoo Knoxville welcomed three newly hatched turtles to the world recently. The turtles are members of the latest generation of a critically endangered species native to parts of China, Laos and Vietnam.
The Four-eyed Turtle is named after the four distinct spots on its head, which look like eyes. It does not actually have four eyes, but the markings can deter predators and are also used for communication and courtship.
Zoo Knoxville said the species' population is estimated to have decreased by more than 90% and is continuing to decline as its habitat is destroyed and illegal wildlife trafficking continues impacting it.
The zoo is one of four accredited zoos in the world able to successfully hatch the species. The three turtles were born at the zoo's Amphibian and Reptile Conservation campus. The zoo said the campus gives it the ability to precisely control temperature and environment to create the best breeding conditions.
The three turtles mark the first hatching of this species at Zoo Knoxville. They will be monitored and cared for as they grow, and Zoo Knoxville said it hopes to share them with other accredited institutions to bolster conservation efforts.
