Trachemys scripta–the red-eared slider–is a terrapin native to the southeast United States. Prevalence in the pet trade has made the subspecies invasive in many parts of the world, including Rhode Island.
These sliders are one of the most invasive species in the world and are now common in many ponds and lakes across many continents.
Like all terrapins, red-eared sliders truly exuberate the essence of reptiles. Their scaly shells and surprisingly powerful jaws are calling cards of the clade.
Unlike other critters on campus, this slider is confined to one very particular part of campus.
Pictured above is Hank, the reptile resident of the University of Rhode Island’s very own Horridge Conservatory, a place that is jam-packed with all sorts of wonders from the natural world, with a focus on tropical plant life.
In my opinion, Hank plays an absolutely vital role at the conservatory. Plants are majestic, necessary; the green lungs that provide atmospheric oxygen that facilitate the beautiful and efficient exchange of electrons that fuel our very consciousness, and the existence of complex animal life. I will never forget plants. I am acutely aware of their solemn sacrifice, but that doesn’t mean I can truly connect to one.
As much as I tried and begged and cried and pleaded, I will never become the Lorax and thus the trees don’t speak to me, nor do I for them.
For me to feel that friendship I crave, I need a face, eyes, movement…, something that a reptile is more than capable of providing.
A study buddy is more valuable than you may know. Sure, some disciplines lend themselves better to individual pursuits of stressful repetition, but at our core, we are social creatures, and having a shoulder or a shell to lean can be pivotal to course success.
Sometimes a study buddy is involved, practically a tutor. Other times it’s just two friends working on different projects in the same room, providing comic relief when one inevitably asks what the purpose of learning any of this is.
And yet, sometimes a study buddy is a turtle. One with a face, and a shell, and eyes that have a hunger for learning and understanding. You can find comfort in nature. You can learn from eyes different from your own. Both structures seek light, processing otherwise meaningless waves unburdened with time itself. To go across clades, to meet our fellow amniotes on their terms, is more important than I could have ever guessed. Within what we arrogantly call “primitive” lies the secrets of our own evolution.
All study sessions are part existential crisis and part extracurricular learning, which is why the Horridge Conservatory is one of my favorite spots to study, despite all of the wonderful distractions. Close by to Hank’s synthetic habitat are a couple of chairs that are perfect for both relaxation and locking in. The greenhouse is warm and delightful, often contrasting with the surrounding New England ecosystem.
If you seek warmth, comfort, curiosity, or just plain terrapin fever, say “hi” to Hank at a safe distance, respect the space and greatly enhance your experience as a member of the URI community.
