n March, Bronx Zoo officials scrambled to locate a cobra who had escaped from its cage. In August, Central Park Zoo officials breathed a sigh of relief when a peacock who had wandered out of the zoo flew back home. Now, urban park rangers are on the lookout for a missing Eastern Box Turtle named Lionel who disappeared from Inwood Hill Nature Center last Thursday.
he New York City Department of Parks and Recreation said it was unclear how Lionel had escaped, but that it was unfortunate that he had gone missing and anyone who may happen upon the turtle should report it to the nature center by calling (212) 304-2365.
Fans on Twitter have also set up a handle for Lionel: NYBoxTurtle.
The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a vulnerable species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Populations are thought to be in gradual decline for a number of reasons such as habitat destruction, pollution and pesticide effects; being killed by moving cars; predators like raccoons, foxes, possums and crows; being caught and kept as personal pets or for turtle racing; and disease.
It has been reported that turtles in the wild can live to be 100 years old.
he New York City Department of Parks and Recreation said it was unclear how Lionel had escaped, but that it was unfortunate that he had gone missing and anyone who may happen upon the turtle should report it to the nature center by calling (212) 304-2365.
Fans on Twitter have also set up a handle for Lionel: NYBoxTurtle.
The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a vulnerable species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Populations are thought to be in gradual decline for a number of reasons such as habitat destruction, pollution and pesticide effects; being killed by moving cars; predators like raccoons, foxes, possums and crows; being caught and kept as personal pets or for turtle racing; and disease.
It has been reported that turtles in the wild can live to be 100 years old.