About
Painted terrapins are medium to large-sized turtles native to Asia.
![](https://lazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Painted-River-Terrapin-JEP_8463-300x179.jpg)
![](https://lazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Painted-River-Terrapin-JEP_5263-300x179.jpg)
STATUS
One of the most endangered turtles in Southeast Asia, the painted river terrapin is in trouble because it is hunted for food, traditional medicine, and the illegal pet trade. By returning to the same beaches and sand bars year after year, its predictable habits allow extensive harvesting of breeding females and eggs.
Location Within the Zoo
You’ll find this animal in the Desert LAIR. See Zoo Map.