The Japanese Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle, native to the dense forests and marshes of Japan, is renowned for its elusive nature and striking appearance: with its smooth, jet-black plastron and a keeled carapace that bears striking resemblance to a fallen leaf.  Due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, their populations have been dwindling rapidly, pushing them to the brink of extinction.

The successful hatching of the Japanese Black-Breasted Leaf Turtles at the TC is a testament to the importance of captive conservation efforts. Welcome to the world little ones!