Two-headed turtle hatches at San Antonio zoo

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

12 years ago

Thelma and Louise, a two-headed Texas cooter turtle, is seen in an undated photo provided by the San Antonio Zoo. Zoo officials on Tuesday, June 25 said the Texas cooter was born June 18. The turtle was one of several Texas cooters born this month at the zoo but the only one with two heads. The unusual turtle will go on display Thursday at the zoo’s Friedrich Aquarium.

Thelma and Louise, right, a two-headed Texas cooter turtle, is seen next to a normal texas cooter in an undated photo provided by the San Antonio Zoo. Zoo officials on Tuesday, June 25 said the Texas cooter was born June 18. The turtle was one of several Texas cooters born this month at the zoo but the only one with two heads. The unusual turtle will go on display Thursday at the zoo’s Friedrich Aquarium.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A two-headed turtle has hatched at the San Antonio Zoo and officials have named her Thelma and Louise.

The female Texas cooter arrived June 18 and will go on display Thursday at the zoo’s Friedrich Aquarium.

Zoo spokeswoman Debbie Rios-Vanskike (van SKYKE’) said Wednesday that the two-headed turtle appears healthy and is able to swim and walk. She says experts at the zoo don’t foresee any health issues for Thelma and Louise, named for the female duo in the 1991 Oscar-winning road movie of the same name.

The San Antonio Zoo is no stranger to two-headed reptiles. The facility was home to a two-headed Texas rat snake named Janus from 1978 until the creature’s death to 1995.

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Online: San Antonio Zoo