Scientific Name: Macroclemmys temmincki

Leonardo is an alligator snapping turtle and a very impressive beast. Weighing in at over 50kg in weight and with a shell length of nearly a metre, he really is an unforgettable sight. His head is about the size of a small football and is endowed with a set of huge beak-like jaws with sufficient strength to severe a misplaced finger with ease. His shell is ornamented with three rows of large raised lumps giving the turtle its alligator-like appearance. The eyes are tiny and well-concealed amongst the spines and tubercles of the head. Leonardo truly is the nearest thing imaginable to a 'Mutant Ninja Turtle'.

Did You Know? The discovery of Leonardo made worldwide news. Newspapers from as far afield as Canada, USA, England and Germany were as intrigued by his story as those in Australia. Within days of his transfer to the Park, staff gave in excess of 50 interviews to various radio stations, television stations, newspapers and magazines. Leonardo has become a living legend and along with his mate Eric the crocodile, one of the biggest reptilian celebrities in the world.

Habitat: Although the species' natural range is the swamps of the southeastern USA, Leonardo was the unforgettable find for a group of workmen in southern Sydney. This huge, prehistoric reptile was observed lumbering through a storm water drain after heavy rains in one of Sydney's most industrialized suburbs. After the initial shock had worn off, it took five men to extract him from the drain and lift him into a wheel barrow, all luckily retaining a full set of fingers after the tricky operation. The gigantic reptile was then transported to the Australian Reptile Park where he now holds pride of place in a custom designed display tank in the Lost World of Reptiles exhibit.

Diet: Alligator snapping turtles feed mostly of fish, attracting them close enough to their trap-like mouth by wiggling their pink tongue and fooling the fish into thinking it is a juicy worm. In Leonardo's new habitat, fish were probably few and far between, however, his condition on capture was excellent so it is possible that he survived on a diet of carrion and was possibly successful in catching the odd rat from the surrounding drains!

Reproduction: The Australian Reptile Park has maintained alligator snapping turtles for many years. Before the devastating fire in July 2000, the Park held a pair of these turtles. Unfortunately, the male perished in fire. Miraculously, his mate was found walking through the burning embers of the building the morning after almost untouched. This dramatic discovery led to the female being christened 'Terminator' after the similar scene in the movie of the same name. Despite his huge size, Leonardo proved to be quite shy of Terminator on their first introduction. Obviously he is really just a gentle giant at heart. It is hoped that Leonardo and Terminator will eventually hit it off and a new generation of turtles will be produced at the Park.