McWane’s new tiny turtles are on a big conservation mission to save Alabama’s coastline [PHOTOS]

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Something very small and extra special just arrived at McWane Science Center in Birmingham, and it’s already making a big splash. Eight baby Mississippi diamondback terrapins, one of the South’s most fascinating turtle species, are the star of a brand-new Terrapin Nursery—a living exhibit that combines science, conservation and cuteness all in one. 

I stopped by the new nursery to see what these tiny tots are all about, and trust me: It’s worth a visit. 

Read on to see how McWane, UAB and local aquarists are teaming up to protect these remarkable little reptiles.

McWane Science Center’s Terrapin Nursery in Birmingham

On McWane’s lower floor—across from the stingray touch tank—you’ll find the Terrapin Nursery. It features eight small tanks, each home to a baby terrapin about the size of a half-dollar. These hatchlings, all born in June, are about five months old and already bursting with personality. 

I’m not exaggerating when I say the second I saw them, I made every inaudible squeal possible about how cute they are. They look like tiny wind-up toys, paddling their little flippers as they test out their new world. 

Warning: They are mesmerizing! Expect to spend some time watching them in awe.

Along with seeing the terrapins taking gleeful laps around their tanks, you’ll discover informational displays and looping videos explaining how terrapins grow, survive and help maintain balance in coastal ecosystems. 

You can also take a peek through a special viewing window in the working lab where the terrapins are housed. Here you’ll see McWane’s aquarists feed and care for the turtles daily. 

McWane partners with UAB

McWane’s tiniest residents might be small, but they’ve got a big purpose. A major thing terrapins do is feed on invasive periwinkle snails, which helps keep coastal marshes healthy. While terrapins aren’t endangered—yet—they’re a species of highest conservation concern, which means their numbers have been reduced due to habitat loss, crab traps and over-harvesting.

That’s why these baby Mississippi diamondback terrapins—found mainly along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Dauphin Island—are part of a long-term research and conservation project between McWane and UAB’s Department of Biology. 

Inside the new terrapin nursery at McWane, aquarist Abby Keloski is busy tracking each turtle’s growth, diet and behavior while giving them the best possible care. The data collected helps Dr. Thane Wibbels at UAB learn how to improve terrapin survival rates and understand how environmental factors, like water salinity and incubation temperature, affect development. 

“For the next few years, we’ll be raising them here at McWane while learning everything we can. Then they’ll return home stronger and ready to thrive.”

Abby Keloski, Aquarist, McWane Science Center

Baby terrapins at McWane Science Center in Birmingham (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

In two to three years—once they’ve grown to about the size of a dinner plate—the terrapins will be released into Dauphin Island’s salt marsh. Each one will be tagged and monitored by UAB researchers to ensure it’s safely adapting to life in the wild. 

“Terrapins are unique. They’re the only turtle that live in brackish water. We want people to get excited about protecting them.”

Abby Keloski, Aquarist, McWane Science Center

Visit the Terrapin Nursery in Birmingham

• Where: McWane Science Center
• When: 
  • Wednesday-Friday 9AM-5PM
  • Saturday 10AM-5PM
  • Sunday 12PM-5PM
  • Closed Monday + Tuesday
• Cost: Included in general admission to McWane
  • Adults (ages 13+) $19.95 | Seniors (ages 65+) $18.95 | Kids (ages 2-12) $15.95 | Kids under 2, free admission
• Tickets

FUN OPPORTUNITY: Think you have the perfect terrapin name? Follow McWane on Facebook and Instagram for details on how to take part in the naming fun!

The Terrapin Nursery at McWane is open now! Get your tickets and meet the turtles making waves for Alabama’s coastline wildlife.

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