Check out Australia Zoo’s Red-eared Slider Turtle!

Don’t miss our radical red-eared sliders right here at Australia Zoo. These turtles can be found in our impressive tree house on Bindi’s Island. These exotic reptiles are a sight to see, so make sure you say g’day!

Red-eared sliders are native to the United States and Mexico, typically inhabiting freshwater streams and waterways. They have a very distinctive red stripe behind their ears and a beautiful brown and black patterned shell! Unlike many Australian native turtles, red-eared sliders have the ability to retract their head completely inside their shell, which is the perfect defence mechanism.

As beautiful as they are in their home environment this species has managed to establish itself on every continent except Antarctica, outcompeting many native species for food.  This is largely due irresponsible pet ownership resulting in releases to the wild.

These reptiles are omnivores consuming a variety of plant matter and animals such as fish, frogs and insects.  This little unassuming turtle is now listed as an invasive species in Australia and may only be held in authorised zoological facilities.