ZooWeird 48

A doggerel series about odd or little-known animals.

Mata mata turtle—a strange name for what is surely one of the world’s strangest turtles. This large, South American river turtle is the only surviving species of the genus Chelus and is easily one of the most unusual creatures you are likely to encounter in the Amazon Region. Thanks to its leaf-shaped head, bark-like flat shell and ragged skin flaps, the species can perfectly blend in with the surrounding environment. (All animal info from http://www.strangeanimals.info/2014/08/mata-mata-turtle.html#ixzz4Vlzi1ZtQ)

He's got a head shaped like a leaf—

On torrid days—so much relief.

But with a odd and leaf-shaped head

He must greet mirrors with some dread.

And all those bugs that land on him—

He’s always disappointing them!

But so he spends allotted days—

Just like the rest of us—in ways

That bring him comfort. Peace.

Until it’s time for his release.