Meet Lotus, our northern diamondback terrapin with a big presence and an even bigger splash. She came to Earthplace after spending her first ten years as an improperly kept pet—taken from the wild as a baby by someone who thought they were helping. Now she lives in a habitat designed for her species, where she can swim laps, bask in her sunroom, and keep a close eye on everything happening around her.

Lotus has a few signature moves. She loves chasing crabs (it’s her version of fast food) and will happily snooze in a warm patch for as long as she pleases. She’s also famous among her keepers for a playful habit: she’ll chase fingers along the glass, showing off her quick reflexes and her curious, watch-and-pounce style. And the fish in her aquarium? They were originally meant to be snacks, but Lotus treats them more like background characters in her underwater sitcom.

Sponsoring Lotus helps support her nutrition, veterinary care, habitat upkeep, and enrichment—everything she needs to swim, bask, explore, and show off her terrapin charm. She’s a wonderful ambassador for her species and a total favorite among visitors who spot her mid-swim or mid-nap.