In Cape Cod, the Birdsey Cape Wildlife Center has welcomed a unique patient: a two-headed diamondback terrapin hatchling. Found at a nesting site in Orleans, this rare creature is an example of bicephaly, a phenomenon occurring in about one in 100,000 hatchlings. Since its arrival on September 17, the terrapin has captured the attention of staff and the public alike, leading to discussions about its care and future.
Lead technician Robyn Rohm has noted that the left head of the hatchling exhibits a more dominant personality, often being more active than the right. CEO Zak Mertz confirmed that this is not the first time the center has treated a bicephalic terrapin, marking the third instance in six years.
Despite the challenges that typically come with such anomalies, the hatchling has shown promising signs of health, actively eating a mix of fish and specialized pellets. Researchers plan to study the terrapin further to understand its anatomy, including whether the heads share organs.
With a weight of just over five grams at last weighing, the terrapin’s future remains uncertain. While a release into the wild might be a consideration from wildlife officials, it’s likely that this hatchling will find a permanent home in captivity, potentially serving as an educational ambassador at the wildlife center. For now, the focus is on its growth and well-being as staff closely monitor its progress.
