Spotted turtles are omnivorous (eats both animal and plant foods) and feeds primarily underwater. Spotted turtles are active all day long in early spring. The sex of the hatchling is determined by nest temperature at specific times during the incubation period. Cooler temperatures produce males and warmer temperatures produce females.

Congratulations to everyone who participated; 2010 was, by far, the most successful contest to date. With approximately 825 photos entered into the contest, the judges certainly had their work cut out for them. The winners are below.
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"Dwarf Caiman in Red Light" by George Hernandez Runner-up Adult |
"Just Hanging Out" by Courtney Moore Fan Favorite & 1st Place Youth |
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| "Gateway to Summer" by Mary Merlau Judges' Choice |
"Aslan & Lucy" by Ron Goyer Judges' Choice |
"Tiger en Noir et Blanc" by Rachel Applebee 1st Place Teen |
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| "Gimme a Smile" by Meaghan Arbital Best Action Shot |
"Deep in Thought" by Brittany Vanderhoof Judges' Choice |
"Blink" by Carrie Curry Runner-up Teen |
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| "Miss Scarlet" by Yvonne Merriam Best Winter at the Zoo |
"Reaching Out" by Steven Kuss Best Digitally Enhanced |
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| "Portrait of a Lion" by Linda McLellan Honorable Mention, Digitally Enhanced |
"Penguins Lost in Paradise" by Mariana Roberts Honorable Mention, Digitally Enhanced |
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| "Splashing Swan" by Steve Ratliff Honorable Mention, Action Shot |
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"The King" by Gabby Cerio Honorable Mention, Youth |
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| "Silent Watcher" by Douglas Hill Honorable Mention, Adult |
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Rosamond Gifford Zoo • One Conservation Place, Syracuse, NY 13204 • (315) 435-8511
Joanne M. Mahoney, County Executive
© Rosamond Gifford Zoo
