Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
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Mata Mata Turtle (Chelys fimbriata)

Picture
Description:
12”-18” (30-45 cm) in length, its shell has high bumps and is covered with moss and water plants so that when motionless, the turtle looks like a rock.

Habitat:
Swampy streams and rivers, these turtles are highly aquatic and rarely leave the water, preferring standing or slow-moving water.

Range:
Northeastern South America.

Diet:
Fish and other small fresh water animals. Unlike other turtles, the jaws are fleshy and not hard.

Life Span:
Approximately 40 years.

Family Life:
The female will lay between 12-28 eggs that will incubate for an average of 208 days.

Status:
Not currently threatened, yet trade is restricted.
​The Mata Mata Turtle’s nickname is the “smiling turtle” due to the shape of its mouth. These unusual looking turtles are amazingly well camouflaged in their habitat. Mata Mata are poor swimmers for long distances and typically walk along the river bottom! The Zoo has two exhibits of Mata Mata Turtles in our Rainforest building.
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Rainforest Building open daily from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
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EN ESPANOL
​203-394-6565
​info@beardsleyzoo.org 
1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
Open 9am-4pm daily
​Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquainting a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a 501(c)(3) not for profit owned and operated by the Connecticut Zoological Society.

2019 Kids Out and About #1
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Connecticut - Still Revolutionary
Weekly Best of Fairfield County Readers' Poll 2014
FC Buzz Events - Arts & Culture of Fairfield County
© 2022 Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
  • Home
  • About
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
    • Press
  • Guest Info
    • Accessibility
    • Calendar
    • For Kids >
      • Coloring Pages
      • Zoo Patrol
      • Zoo Tots
    • Our Animals >
      • Eastern Rat Snake
    • Our Plants
    • Parents
    • Zoo Cams >
      • Outdoor Red Panda Cam
      • Indoor Red Panda Cam
      • Outdoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Indoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Otter Cam
    • Zoo Etiquette
    • Zoo Map
  • Membership
  • Education
    • Zoo to You!
    • Digital Programs
    • Kids & Teens
    • Field Trips
    • Cool Blue Bridgeport
    • Educational Resources
  • Support
    • Animal Sponsorship
    • Appeal
    • Corporate Support
    • Donate
    • Events
    • Gift Guide
    • Honor & Remember
    • Monthly Giving
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Wish List
  • Birthdays, Private Events & Weddings
    • Birthdays
    • Private Events
    • Weddings
    • Rates and Details
  • Volunteer
    • Interns
  • Buy Tickets