| Keyword |
Description |
| Endangered |
When a type of animal might disappear soon because there aren’t many left |
| Smuggling |
The illegal movement of goods into or out of a country. |
| Conservation |
Helping animals or nature stay safe and healthy |
A baby Vallarta mud turtle, the world’s smallest turtle, was born at the Guadalajara Zoo in Mexico, making zoo staff very proud. This tiny turtle weighed just 2.8 grams and was only 2 centimeters long—about as wide as a thumb. Scientists found the species near Puerto Vallarta in 2018, but today there are only about 300 to 500 left, so they are critically endangered. Grown-up Vallarta mud turtles reach just 10 centimeters long, much smaller than other turtles.
These turtles face danger because people want them for pets or smuggling, and many have died as cities have grown near their rivers and wetlands. Recently, some were stolen by people pretending to work for animal safety. The zoo is helping by taking care of the turtles, breeding them, and protecting their eggs—one of which hatched into the baby turtle called "Crumb". Six more eggs may hatch soon, and in the future, the zoo hopes to release turtles back into the wild when safe.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Zoo |
Zoológico |
| Scientists |
Científicos |
| Future |
Futuro |
Time to discuss
- Why is the Vallarta mud turtle so endangered?
- What can zoos do to help endangered animals?
- How does illegal trafficking hurt animals like the Vallarta mud turtle?
Let's write
- Why is the Vallarta mud turtle special?
- What can people do to help turtles like the Vallarta mud turtle?
