10/09/2026
🐢We're excited to share another one of our Animal Ambassadors: Buddy the painted turtle!
Buddy came to Nahant Marsh in 2018. He was found as a hatchling by a past Nahant Marsh Americorps Naturalist. Upon further inspection of this little turtle the naturalist found that Buddy had only one eye. His right eye was deformed, most likely within his egg while developing. He has no vision with his deformed eye and is unable to close his eye lid properly. After some minimal rehabilitation and a failed release attempt the naturalist decided to keep Buddy as it was clear his eye deformity would inhibit is ability to survive in the wild. Buddy was a pet for many years before the naturalist came to work for Nahant Marsh when it was then suggested he join the Animal Ambassador program. Buddy was the perfect fit for Nahant Marsh and has been an ambassador for his species ever since.
Buddy is 11 years old. The average lifespan of a painted turtle is 20 to 30 years old. Painted turtles are the most common aquatic turtle species in North America, and can be found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats across the entire continent. Painted turtles get their name from the bright, colorful red, orange, and yellow markings on their shells and skin that look like a person brushed paint onto them.
Buddy is a sweet turtle who spends his time swimming around his aquarium, taking naps on his floating basking platform, and scratching the back of his shell on a filter pipe. He is curious about guests who visit his tank and will swim along the glass, following visitors as they walk by to get a better look. Buddy is easily handled by Nahant Marsh staff; he is often so relaxed while being handled he will let his legs go limp and dangle in staff's hands.
Come to Nahant Marsh Education Center to be charmed by this sweet one-eyed turtle, who truly is a "Buddy".
