Phoenix Zoo reptile keepers find a surprise baby box turtle

PHOENIX — Phoenix Zoo reptile keepers found something unexpected in an exhibit on Tuesday — an ornate box turtle hatchling.

The Zoo in a press release said the keepers were surprised to find the hatchling, which is about the size of a quarter, as the male turtle had not been with the females in over 18 months.

Female box turtles produce fertile clutches of eggs years after breeding with a male, according to the zoo, and typically egg incubation time is between 50 and 70 days from fertilization.

The zoo says it will take years to tell whether the hatchling is a boy or a girl.

The Phoenix Zoo remains closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, individuals can cruise the zoo inside a car during weekends in September.

Related

Phoenix Zoo announces second closure due to coronavirus pandemicChandler bee attack on Intel Ocotillo campus leaves 3 victims hospitalized80-year-old Scottsdale resident accused of shooting Segway-riding salesman in backMan pulled from pond at Mesa Riverview Park and rushed to hospitalThese 7 local restaurant brands are coming to Sky Harbor International AirportPhoenix Zoo welcomes record number of endangered black-footed ferret kits