John Oram's photos with the keyword: Turtle

Red-eared Slider Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre, Hersonissos, Crete. TZ70_P1010229

Turtle Wings of Asia, Zoo Miami. 200_3_P1040769

It did not take long to notice that there are many of these turtle figures around Helsinki. It took a little longer to find out why. (The word 'turtle' is used in the explanation but, I presume, this is one part of the world where 'turtle' and 'tortoise' are not distinguished). The turtles were conceived by someone in STARA (Helsinki's public works/highways department) as movable traffic barriers. They could be placed where needed (and moved around) but their amusing and gentle nature would be somewhat non-confrontational. They come in varying finishes and some are painted. A hold in the shell allows the insertion of a pole to carry a marker or as part of a fence. This example is in Siltavuorenpenger just south of Long Bridge. 200_2_P1120008

Pili Palas Nature World/Byd Natur. Anglesey/Ynys Môn. This is one of those photographs which comes out even better than hoped. It was carefully composed (as turtles don't move around quite as quickly as, say, meerkats) but it has still come out better than some taken with equal care on another day with mixed results. P1180429