In the botanical garden, we keep Madagascar felsuma geckos and four species of turtles in two separate areas. In the greenhouse entrance hall, you will find a terrarium with felsumas (Phelsuma grandis). In the tropical greenhouse pond, we keep red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), including the subspecies Trachemys scripta scripta and Reeves’s terrapin (Mauremys reevesii). In the outdoor exhibit, we have an enclosure with terrestrial turtles, specifically the Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata) and the Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni).
Felsumas (Phelsuma grandis) are diurnal geckos found in the tropical rainforests of northern Madagascar. They were long considered a subspecies of the Madagascar felsuma, but scientists now classify them as a separate species. They feed mainly on insects, sweet nectar, and fruit. Thanks to special adhesive lamellae on the underside of their toes, they can climb even on smooth surfaces, such as glass.
The red-eared slider was discovered by James Cook during his voyages, and he brought several specimens back to Europe. Today, it is one of the most commonly kept freshwater turtles in the world. Its native range extends from the southeastern United States to northeastern Mexico. A distinctive feature is a red stripe along the side of the head. Females are larger than males, who grow to an average size of 15–20 cm. Under ideal conditions, they can live up to 50 years.
Reeves's Turtle (Mauremys reevesii) is a medium-sized aquatic turtle native to East Asia (primarily China and the Korean Peninsula), inhabiting stagnant and slow-flowing freshwater habitats such as pools, ponds, rice paddies, and calm river bays. The species is endangered due to the loss of natural habitats, overhunting, and competition with introduced species.
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The Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata) is one of the largest tortoise species in Europe. Its natural range primarily includes southern Greece (from the Peloponnese Peninsula to Mount Olympus), but isolated populations can be found in the Balkans, Italy, and northeastern Sardinia. Its typical habitat consists of sunny, rocky slopes with shrubbery that provides shelter from the scorching sun. It was first described by the German naturalist Johann David Schoepff (1752–1800) in 1789.
A characteristic feature is the elongated posterior scutes of the carapace (the dorsal part of the shell). It can grow up to 35 cm in length and weigh up to 5 kg. Males are slightly larger than females. They reach maturity after 10 to 15 years and can live to be 70 to 100 years old. A single clutch may contain 3 to 14 eggs, which hatch after 55 to 65 days.
The Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is likely one of the most popular species of tortoise kept in captivity. Its natural range includes primarily Greece and other Balkan countries. Some subspecies have established populations in Italy, southern France, and eastern Spain. Its typical habitat is open countryside overgrown with shrubs that provide ample shade.
1. The felsums used to have a different terrarium
The felsums previously had a terrarium located among the aquariums in the tropical greenhouse. Due to renovation and modernization, they have moved to a new terrarium in the foyer, which is much more suitable for them.
2. Felsumas roam freely in the tropical greenhouse
About 15 felsumas roam the tropical greenhouse. Some were acquired from the Zoo in Ústí nad Labem, and some were bred here. They like to hide near the heaters in the Southeast Asia section, and can occasionally be seen climbing trees.
3. Red-eared sliders are registered
Red-eared sliders are classified as an invasive species in the European Union, and only their natural lifespan is permitted. All individuals in our pond are registered with the Agency for Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection.
4. The largest red-eared slider is Bobo
Our largest box turtle is a male named Bobo. He was born in August 2006 and will celebrate a milestone birthday in 2026—20 years. Next is an unnamed box turtle born in July 2009, the green turtle Hermína born in August 2014, and the youngest is a female box turtle born in October 2017.
5. Sometimes things crawl away in the garden
And by that we don’t mean escapes, but short-term exhibits where we show visitors the beauty of reptiles, whether in smaller or larger versions.
