Raystede tortoises & terrapins

Other unusual permanent residents include tortoises and terrapins. The terrapins have a purpose built pool. They are not easy to keep, can be very messy and can carry salmonellla. Red-eared Terrapins originate from warmer climates around the Mississippi river and through the South-eastern USA and can live for over 30 years in the wild, usually much less in captivity.
Fortunately these terrapins are no longer imported into the UK as generally most people have little idea on how to care for them and most will die when young.

There has been an EU CITES ban on importing Mediterranean tortoises since 1984, out of the fear that the continual trade of massive numbers of tortoises would lead to extinction. Although the ban continues to be in place, there are sill potentially many being illegally imported.
Studies show many tortoises will perish within the first four years of life in captivity, however when kept correctly can live up to 100 years.
Tortoises do not make suitable pets for most people, requiring specialist and experienced care. A clear understanding of diet, health, husbandry and hibernation is vital for successful care of tortoises. Unfortunately the UK is not known for having a tortoise friendly climate with too many wet miserable days, which can be a struggle for a tortoise. (The Tortoise Trust website has interesting and invaluable information on tortoise care.)