Waffle

Hi there! My name is Waffle, I was born on the 14th of May 2022, and I’m a Murray short-necked turtle.

I spend my days swimming in my tank and climbing onto my favourite platform to rest – and to dry out my shell under my heat lamp from time to time.

As the Executive Guardian of the Welcome Room, I’m the first to greet and the last to farewell everyone who visits the clinic. Whether you’re arriving for an appointment or waiting for someone you care about, I’ll be here watching over you – reminding everyone to pause, breathe, and embrace the journey, one slow and steady step at a time.

Murray short-necked turtles like me come from the rivers and wetlands all over Australia. We thrive in calm, natural environments with clean water, space to swim, and a warm place to bask. We don’t need lots of decorations, toys, or a fancy tank setup – peace and consistency help us stay healthy and happy, just like in the wild.

We’re also solitary creatures by nature, which means we prefer our own space. Keeping multiple turtles together isn’t recommended, as it can cause stress, injury, or fighting. In the wild, we only meet other turtles during breeding season.

I’m an omnivore, which means I enjoy both plants and animals, and when I’m fully grown, my shell could reach 30 cm – about the length of a school ruler! Pretty cool, right? I can even hold my breath underwater for up to 30 minutes.

I won’t become an adult until I’m about 10 years old, and if all goes well, I’ll be here for the next 30 to 50 years – so we have plenty of time to get to know each other.

Come say hi next time you’re at the clinic – I’d love to meet you!