WMEO Special Report
Two Heads, One Turtle, Zero Interviews
Banner reporting live from the WMEO Nature Desk.
Good evening, everyone
A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin discovered on Cape Cod last month continues to make progress under the watchful eye of wildlife veterinarians in Barnstable, Massachusetts.
The tiny turtle surprised everyone when it arrived at the Cape Wildlife Center. The tiny hatchling arrived weighing about as much as a nickle. It was found at a protected nesting site in September. The turtle has a rare condition known as bicephaly, resulting in two fully formed heads sharing a single body.
Balboa: 2 heads! Does that mean they get 2 snacks? One for each head? How would that work?
Banner: According to wildlife officials, both heads remain alert, active, and healthy. The young terrapin has been eating a varied diet that includes fish, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and vitamin supplements.
Veterinarians are continuing to monitor the turtle’s growth, appetite, and behavior while planning advanced imaging studies to better understand its internal anatomy. The information could help determine whether this remarkable little reptile might someday be released into the wild.
Balboa: Bloodworms, Seriously? Where are the treats? Don’t baby turtles deserve treats? Just a tiny cookie or perhaps a miniature cupcake?
Banner: Experts say this is only the third bicephalic terrapin their team has encountered in the last five years.
Now we go live to Pumpkin Spice, who has apparently requested an exclusive interview.
Pumpkin Spice Reports
Thank you, Banner.
I am standing beside one very small turtle and, technically speaking, two potential interview subjects.
The problem is I don’t know which head to interview.
I started with the head on the left.
“How does it feel being famous?”
No response.
I then turned to the head on the right.
“Would you describe yourself as the brains of the operation?”
Also no response.
Thinking perhaps they preferred hard-hitting journalism, I asked:
“Which one of you gets the front seat on road trips?”
Still nothing.
At this point I became concerned they were giving me the silent treatment.
The veterinary staff informed me that turtles are generally not known for answering interview questions.
I believe further investigation is warranted.
Back to you, Banner.
Balboa’s Commentary Corner
Thank you!
Let me save everyone some time. Turtles having one head is widely considered normal.
The turtle is not ignoring Pumpkin Spice.
The turtle is being a turtle.
I will admit this is a remarkable little animal. Two heads, one body, and apparently more patience than I possess.
I still feel that the diet needs adjusting to include snacks
A celebratory snack for managing life with twice as many heads as everybody else.
I presented these concerns to the veterinary staff.
They informed me that turtles do not eat cookies.
I remain unconvinced.
The scientists are learning valuable information while making sure the hatchling receives the best possible care.
Meanwhile, Pumpkin Spice has spent the afternoon trying to determine whether the turtle has one birthday or two.
For the record, I do not know.
And unlike Pumpkin Spice, I am comfortable admitting that.
What Makes Everything Odd?
A rare two-headed turtle continues to thrive under expert care while veterinarians study one of nature’s most unusual conditions.
Meanwhile, Pumpkin Spice remains convinced that at least one of the turtle’s heads was about to answer a question before being interrupted by the other. 🐢🐢
This Has been a Special Report Live from the WMEO Nature Desk.
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