<![CDATA[<br /><br /> - Blog]]>Fri, 11 Jun 2021 06:56:41 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[06/08/21]]>Mon, 05 Sep 2016 17:50:30 GMThttp://tanktheturtle.com/blog/september-05th-2016Tank is alive and well.  This was our selfie.  The problem was Tank saw another male snapping turtle in the house and chased my camera shortly after the photo was taken.  Tank's weight has steady off at 40-pound and he continues getting great report from his Vet at his check-ups.  Tank continues his job as an educational turtle but Covid forced a year off of that work.
Picture
Picture
Tank continues to grow, he's now at 40 pounds.
Getting out for some sun is a great time, he stays close to me but loves taking a nap in the heat.  He draws a crowd every time he goes out front.  I end up doing a short presentation on his life and the species in general.  Everyday is a great time to be with Tank.
April 14, 2017
Things are going well with Tank, such a docile and pleasant turtle to work with.  His main focus is spending time with me.  When he's out he doesn't let me get very far away from him.  If I walk into another room he will follow me, climbing on my leg when I stop.  He just wants to be held.
Picture
Friendship and kindness is universal.  Tank will climb up like this and I'll hold him.  He just wants closeness and time.  Tank has been treated and loved like one of the family for most of his life.  He greets me with the same excitement everyday.
Picture
]]><![CDATA[August 05th, 2016]]>Sat, 06 Aug 2016 01:39:57 GMThttp://tanktheturtle.com/blog/august-05th-2016Tank continues to make friends from all over the world
Not only this website but Tank's Facebook page continues to grow.  He brings joy to many people.  His docile nature continues to amaze me.  At 36 pounds he is a big male Common.  Tank has expanded his diet to include many different fruits.  His favorites are strawberry, grape tomatoes and Bing cherries.  I couldn't be happier with this change.  Tank will be turning 8 on Sept. 28th, 2016 and will be having a party and special meal with the family.  This is one wonderful turtle.
]]><![CDATA[March 21st, 2016]]>Mon, 21 Mar 2016 16:54:35 GMThttp://tanktheturtle.com/blog/march-21st-2016Spring has sprung here in Iowa and Tank is looking to do some breeding.  This of course isn't possible for him but that doesn't stop his chemistry from changing with the season.  When I have him out he is very musky, I guess if I were a female snapping turtle I would be impressed. 
Tank's attitude towards me and everyone he meets continues to be great.  For me that means hours of face-to-face time in and out of the water.  Tank seems to enjoy being close to me when he's out and shows no signs of stress.  He seeks out my company and doesn't like me getting too far from him.  Tank has allowed me into his world and because of that I have a better understanding of these shy and intelligent turtles. 
Tank and I are buddies and I love hanging out with him.
]]><![CDATA[Video Get Many Views and Shares]]>Sat, 07 Nov 2015 01:17:28 GMThttp://tanktheturtle.com/blog/video-get-many-views-and-sharesI posted a video on a Facebook page called "Snapping Turtle Fanatics" that video was picked up and posted on "The Reptile Report" Facebook page.  As I type this blog that video has had over 186,000 views and over 4000 shares.  Here's a link to "The Reptile Report' page.
https://www.facebook.com/TheReptileReport/videos/vb.159931317452086/777711812340697/?&theater&notif_t=like]]><![CDATA[Great News]]>Sat, 24 Oct 2015 02:57:50 GMThttp://tanktheturtle.com/blog/great-newsPicture
I increased Tank's calcium intake to help bring the color back to his beak.  A side benefit to this action is the sores on the bottom of his front feet are almost completely healed.  It's been over a year and a half since he injured his feet then developed an infection.  I have been worried that he might require surgery to correct the problem but now there is hope he won't need it.  Tank continues to grow not only in size but in personality.  I love working with this awesome turtle.
]]><![CDATA[August 04th, 2015]]>Wed, 05 Aug 2015 02:11:18 GMThttp://tanktheturtle.com/blog/august-04th-2015Picture
Tank came out to visit me while I worked on his website.  He just wants to spend time with me.  I guess we are buddies.  Sometimes he'll sit behind me, I'll reach back and rub his shell, head or neck.  We trust each other and it shows with how comfortable he is with me.  One day I had to do some work on his pond which required me to get in the water with him.  It was the first time I entered his water territory and to be honest I was a little worried, male snapping are very territorial.  Tank welcomed me to his water and did all he could to keep me from my job.  He wanted to see every tool I had brought with me.  I'm happy he accepts me.  It's a pleasure working with such a remarkable turtle.
]]><![CDATA[Tank visits Longfellow School]]>Thu, 04 Jun 2015 14:28:46 GMThttp://tanktheturtle.com/blog/tank-visits-longfellow-school
]]><![CDATA[May 27th, 2015]]>Thu, 28 May 2015 02:40:13 GMThttp://tanktheturtle.com/blog/may-27th-2015Picture
Check out this awesome cartoon drawing of Tank.
]]><![CDATA[World Turtle Day Celebration 2015]]>Wed, 27 May 2015 18:26:16 GMThttp://tanktheturtle.com/blog/world-turtle-day-celebration-2015Picture
May 23rd, 2015 was World Turtle Day.  Tank and I spent the day at the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines.  I did a 45 minute PowerPoint presentation and then it was time for the audience to meet Tank.
As usual Tank did an awesome job interacting with the adult and children.  Then it was a 2.5 hour trip home.  Tank is learning that transportation in a covered tub is okay.  He was quiet the entire trip.  
]]><![CDATA[New pond update]]>Sat, 21 Mar 2015 02:41:10 GMThttp://tanktheturtle.com/blog/new-pond-updatePicture
Tank's new home suits him very well.  This is a 300 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank.  I built a do-it-yourself filter system that keeps his water clean.  It requires maintenance every couple of days since a large turtle like this puts out a lot of waste.  Tank and I continue to spend a lot of time together.  His foot infection is under control but he'll probably require surgery on them to complete the healing process.  Tank is in his Spring heat/rut at this time and very restless.  This time of the year his body tells him to mate and that just isn't possible.  Even during these troubled time for Tank he remains a pleasant, docile turtle.  I love working with him and am glad we are buddies. 
]]>