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 inhabit freshwater steams and waterways. They have a very distinctive red stripe behind their ears and a beautiful brown and black patterned shell! Unlike many native turtles, red-eared sliders have the ability to retract their head completely inside their shell, which is the perfect defense mechanism. These cute reptiles are omnivores. They will consume a variety of plant matter and animals such as fish, frogs and insects.

These turtles can be surprisingly aggressive and have the ability to outcompete many native species in the United States and Mexico for food and space.

Due to their high availability in the pet trade and irresponsible ownership, they are now an introduced species on all continents except Antarctica. Within their home range in the United States and Mexico, they are a thriving species and one of least concern.