Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary houses abandoned turtles
The Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary at Barcaldine is renowned for housing a large number of creatures that customers would find very difficult to see anywhere else.
The centre is well-known for its rescued seals, which perform tricks in front of live audiences.
Other notable animals include Lewis, a North American otter, and the tanks full of various species of fish.
However, the sanctuary is also home to a number of terrapins that were either abandoned, donated by or confiscated from previous owners.
But don’t get any ideas – the turtle sanctuary isn’t accepting any more of these donations as it is full.
Terrapins are often purchased when they are small and cute. However, the heat-loving creatures don’t make the best pets, unless you are prepared that is.
They have to be kept in large tanks that have areas for both sunbathing and somewhere for them to cool down.
Heated lamps should be kept between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius, which must be checked daily.
Terrapins also need constant access to clean water and require a varied diet. This should consist of dried foods, as well as freshwater fish and live invertebrates – insects, snails, crabs, starfish, jellyfish, worms and so on.
On top of that, the animals can live up to between 30 and 40 years.
Speaking about terrapins, the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary said: ‘Please remember that turtles do not make good pets for inexperienced owners as they can be very expensive and require a great deal of specialist care. If you love turtles, come and visit them somewhere like our sanctuary instead of buying one as a pet.’