Turtle toy boy

To mark World Turtle Day, on Saturday May 23, the award-winning Oceanarium in Bournemouth has presented Friday, one of its rare green sea turtles, with a special new toy.

After demonstrating a curiosity for the brushes used to clean his display, staff at the seafront attraction decided to introduce the toy to Friday, as part of the creature’s ongoing environmental enrichment programme.

Oliver Buttling, Group Curator of the Oceanarium, said: “Intended primarily for dogs, the toy we’ve introduced to Friday is ideal. It’s robust, able to withstand the creature’s constant biting and chewing and satisfies his growing curiosity.”

Contributing to the worldwide celebrations for Turtle Day, the Oceanarium has also developed a new display for its many other turtles and terrapins. As well as a large underwater area, the new Ganges turtle sanctuary display also has shallow water, perfect for the creatures.

Oliver, added: “Similar to the toy we have introduced to Friday, the new area we have developed for the rest of our turtles and terrapins contributes to the environmental enrichment of the creatures.

“As well as highlighting the problems with conservation issues surrounding turtles in their natural habitats, World Turtle Day also encourages action to help the creatures thrive, which is the main point of our work here. Whether it’s introducing an unusual toy to Friday or creating a new home for our many other turtles and terrapins, we ensure the creatures in our care are given all they need to flourish.”