From 300 to 2000 Turtles: The Head Start Success Story

These tiny turtles grew three years' worth in just eight months — and it's helping save their species. 🐢💚

The Northern Red-Bellied Cooters is an endangered turtle species native to North America. When these hatchlings arrived at the Museum of Science in Boston, they were no bigger than a quarter. But thanks to a program called Headstart, they received warm water, unlimited food, and expert care — allowing them to grow three times faster than they would in the wild.

This rapid growth isn’t just amazing — it’s strategic. Larger turtles are less vulnerable to predators and environmental stress, giving them a much better chance of survival when released back into the wild.

For over 40 years, Massachusetts’ Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has partnered with organizations like the Museum of Science to help boost turtle populations from just 300 to over 2,000. This is what real conservation looks like.