This gorgeous creature is the last-known Female Yangtze Soft Shell Turtle.
She’s eighty years old. I hope I look that good at eighty.
She lives in a zoo in China, where officials have pinned their hopes on her successful mating with her 100 year old gentleman friend.
Turtles do talk very slowly. Still Waters Run Deep.
Last week, I asked her how she was. She showed me that her front left hand hurt.
I asked about mating and she told me that she’d really like it if everybody would back off and not put so much pressure on her. “People need to relax,” she said.
Then, I asked her the question I really wanted to know. How did it feel to be the last female of her species?
She said, “That’s ridiculous. I’m not the last female of my species. I know there are more out there.” She showed me a secluded spot and three or four beautiful soft shells sunning themselves, and swimming in the water.
I said, “You’re sure they’re out there somewhere?”
She said, “Yes, and I’m not saying where. They’re hidden.”
It feels good to know that there are hidden places, untouched by humanity, where turtles can swim in peace.
As always, it’s a lovely treat to hear what has been said by an animal friend of yours
I love this. What made you talk to a turtle in China. My favorite quote, People need to relax.
What a nice break from the day to read the thoughts of a turtle, who has more important things to say than anything I heard at the office.
Kritter Kondo
http://krittersthattwitter.com