Third Mauremys Day

Mauremys Day was held again this year, on May 25, 2025, at the Zagreb Zoo. The educational program lasted from 10 AM to 2 PM and was carried out by the Zoo staff with the help of volunteers from the Hyla Association. Visitors, through conversations with educators and by observing the shells of different turtle species, were able to learn interesting facts about Croatian species of these shelled reptiles and about the threats faced by the Balkan Terrapin (Mauremys rivulata).

The event took place near the new enclosure for the Balkan Terrapin. In addition to numerous educational panels that are a permanent display, posters from a traveling exhibition about the habitat, biology, and ecology of the Balkan terrapin were also presented on this occasion.

Educators also raised awareness about the problem of releasing the invasive red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta) into the wild. Younger children were introduced to the Balkan terrapin through a picture book, puzzles, and a memory game with magnetic cards. The project mascot, the turtle Mare, also joined the program and quickly became an attraction that many visitors wanted to take photos with. In addition to Mara, visitors could also see two Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni), which were especially popular with the youngest visitors.

A quiz was organized where every participant could win a prize by correctly answering a question related to turtles and reptiles. Prizes were also awarded to the winners of the art contest, whose works were exhibited in the Zoo. A large number of visitors took part in the educational program, most of whom heard for the first time about turtle ecology and the issue of invasive species.

We are very pleased with the numerous compliments on the event, which confirms the success of this educational activity.