Three-toed box turtles earned their name for the three toes on their back feet. They are typically an olive-brown color with occasional yellow markings. The three-toed box turtle is one of six subspecies of box turtle, and it’s one of the few species that can pull all their limbs into their shell, completely sealing themselves shut. They’ll use this defensive technique, when frightened or threatened, making it impossible for anything to reach them.

Their shell is made up of 60 bones, and if you look closely, you can see their spine along the middle of it. Three-toed box turtles’ shells are comprised of bone (bottom layers) and keratin (upper layers). Their shells are a fusion of the turtles’ ribs and spine, so they are permanently attached.

Three-toed box turtles can be found in south-central United States, and they’re recognized as the state reptile in Missouri!

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Our Current Residents

Roxy and Rocket were donated to the Zoo by a private individual in 1999. They are located inside and share a habitat, although there is a divider down the middle of it to separate them.

Roxy

Roxy lives on the right side of the habitat.  

Gender: Female

Birthday: Hatched in 1994 (estimated and celebrated)

Rocket

Rocket lives on the left side of the habitat.  

Gender: Male

Birthday: Hatched in 1994 (estimated and celebrated)

You can get to know Roxy and Rocket better and meet them in person through our programs scheduled through the Education Department!