A Turtle-ly Awesome Look at Animal Health Check-Ups

Before making his public debut, Dante, a 13-year-old alligator snapping turtle (Macroclemys temminckii), needed to check in with the veterinary team at Shedd Aquarium. Experts took extra caution with this reptile, weighing in at 30 pounds and sporting gaping, hooked jaws that pack a serious bite. The wellness check took place at the aquarium’s A. Watson Armour III Center for Aquatic Animal Health and Welfare.

Over a span of 30-45 minutes, Shedd Veterinarian Dr. Matt O’Connor and his team performed a routine physical exam on Dante that included documenting the weight and length, checking his eyes, looking into his mouth, examining the shell for lesions or soft spots, and collecting/testing a blood sample. Experts also took x-ray scans of the turtle with a new portable, wireless machine that allowed them to view the images on a laptop within five seconds – an important time-saver when working with animals like Dante. 

“Dante’s general check-up wasn’t all that different from the care you and I receive, and he was a good patient, never snapping at any of the vets during the exam,” said Dr. O’Connor. “Our commitment to preventive health care for the animals at Shedd Aquarium means most visits with the veterinary team are just regular check-ups,”

Guests can visit Dante, and congratulate him on the clean bill of health, at Shedd’s exhibit, At Home on the Great Lakes.

BACKGROUND: Known as ambush hunters, alligator snappers will sit motionless with its mouth agape revealing a wiggly, wormlike appendage on its tongue to lure its prey. Once a fish, frog or turtle is near, the mouth will snap on the target.

Alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtle species in North America. Having this notable animal at Shedd helps inspire our guests to make a difference in the health of critical freshwater ecosystems.