Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Giant of the Swamp
Swamps are a favored habitat of the alligator snapping turtle, the largest freshwater turtle in North America. These turtles spend most of their time under water, hidden in the muddy floor of the swamp. Here they find a bounty of food, including fish, frogs, and aquatic plants.
Alligator snapping turtles are rare in Missouri and are threatened with extinction wherever they are found. They have suffered from water pollution, over-harvesting, and loss of habitat. As swamps are restored and the turtles are protected from hunters, these giants may one day recover.
Erected by Saint Louis Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources.
Location. 38° 38.125′ N, 90° 17.237′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Forest Park. Marker can be reached from Wells Drive, 0.1 miles west of Concourse Drive, on the right when traveling west. The marker stands within the birdcage (an open-air structure) on the grounds of the St. Louis Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Government Dr, Saint Louis MO 63110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tale of the Swamp Rabbit (a few steps from this marker); Bringing Back the Beauty
this page online
Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 28, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
