Meet Our Resident
Baby Girl is a massive turtle with a prehistoric appearance—thick shell ridges, powerful jaws, and a patience that captivates visitors. Slow and deliberate, this species demonstrates the quiet strength of ancient predators. She is in her 60’s and Burpee is her retirement home! When she was younger, she served as an IDNR outreach animal, visiting schools and nature centers throughout the state.

Connections to the Museum
As one of North America’s largest freshwater turtles, this species visually and thematically bridges the “Ancient Waterways” exhibit with Burpee’s fossilized Cretaceous turtles and our Conservation corridor exhibit. Its living presence reinforces how ancient reptile lineages persist into the modern era.

Natural History & Behavior
Alligator Snappers are ambush hunters. They lie motionless with open mouths, using a worm-like tongue lure to attract fish. Despite their size and fearsome appearance, they are reclusive and rarely leave the water.

Evolutionary Connections
Descended from Miocene snapping turtles, Macrochelys represents one of the oldest surviving reptile genera. Its armored shell and massive skull parallel fossil turtles displayed in Burpee’s paleontology galleries.

Wild Habitat & Distribution
Native to large river systems of the southeastern U.S. Historically found in southern Illinois waterways.

Conservation & Status
Threatened in Illinois due to habitat degradation and overharvesting. Burpee’s individual holds a state permit and exemplifies conservation through education, helping the public appreciate these long-lived river giants.