Meet Our Animals > Fly River Turtle

Quick Facts

Native to Northern Territory of Australia, southern part of the island of New Guinea

Primary Diet Fruits; seeds; leaves; riverside vegetation including mangroves and algae; crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and bats that fall into the water

Adult Weight 35 pounds

Lifespan 30 to 40 years

Status Endangered

Fly River Turtle

Sometimes called the pig-nosed turtle, these reptiles only leave the water to nest. They are a secretive animal, mainly hunting and active nocturnally. Its flipper-like forelimbs make it a powerful swimmer.