Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello again everyone,

I just happened to take a visit to Columbus zoo today. Unfortunately, there crocodilian exhibit is, well, not the funnest, lets just put it that way. They only had one alligator on exhibit today indoors. The alligator they were showing was approximately, 5-6 feet. In with the alligator, they had 2 large snapping turtles. The body of water was approximately 900-1100 gallons, but was deeper than it was longer or wider. I have always been told to not mix animals like this, and keep them in too close of confinement with each other, due to stress on the animals. Would anybody care to share their experiences or info/comments on this subject?

As always, thank you

Animals, including reptiles, can be much like humans in their personalities and their roles within a community. Did you notice if the alligator possessed all of it's toes and the tip of its tail? If it still has them, then those reptiles together is probably not an issue. When putting those kinds of animals together, a keeper must monitor the enclosure constantly to watch for danger for any of the animals.

I know of an enclosure in which there is an approximately 80lb./30in. carapace Alligator Snapping Turtle and several adult Green Iguanas. when the turtle was introduced, a keeper witnessed the turtle snapping at an iguana. Since that incident, the iguanas, with plenty of pool room, just keep their distance without problems.

Get this: This same turtle was in an enclosure with five adult Cuban Crocodiles, and all of the crocs would no longer enter the pool, as the turtle spooked them (This is an agressive species of croc I've seen chase a much larger boat!).
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Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL