MaxMan Reptile Rescue

07/30/2025

She arrived at the Philadelphia Zoo in 1932—silent, ancient, and extraordinary.
A Western Santa Cruz Galápagos tortoise, one of the rarest animals on the planet. For decades, she lived peacefully, a living relic of an ecosystem few will ever see.

She never laid eggs. Not once in all those years. And by the time she reached 90, no one expected her to start.

But nature had other plans.

In a quiet corner of the zoo, after nearly a century of stillness, she did something miraculous. She laid eggs. And not just that—those eggs hatched. Four tiny tortoises emerged, blinking into the world, each a symbol of hope for a species on the brink.

It was one of the rarest births in conservation history.
Galápagos tortoises can live over 100 years, but successful breeding in captivity is extremely uncommon. This wasn’t just biology—it was resilience. Proof that even the slowest journeys can end in miracles.

She may have moved through life at her own pace…
But when it mattered most, she made history. 🐢✨


Weird Wonders and Facts

07/08/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we must share the passing of our King Cobra, Puppy, on July 2, 2025. Over his 28 years, Puppy served as an awe-inspiring ambassador for his species, living on exhibit and growing to just over 13 feet in length. Despite his size, and the occasional burst of excitement when he was being fed, Puppy earned his name for being a very good boy. He had a calm, curious demeanor, and was a joy to work with. He was also a reliable mate to our female, Kitty, and now their children and grandchildren live in zoos across the country. He contributed to medical research through venom extractions- the process of extracting from Puppy was impressive enough to be featured on television programs such as Kentucky Afield and Ride with Norman Reedus. In 2021, Puppy developed several lumps along his body, which were found to be bacterial granulomas. The removal of these lumps was featured in the program Pop Goes the Vet with Dr. Joya. He recovered well, but in late 2024, the lumps began to reform. In early 2025, Puppy was moved from his public exhibit to retire and rest, and in June, we assessed his quality of life and made the decision to give him one last big meal and then put him down. We are grateful to everyone who loved Puppy and have supported us so that we could give him the best care.

07/07/2025

The debris arrives in the rockets’ wake: melted plastics, aluminum and pieces of blue adhesive. It all ends up stranded on the sands of Bagdad beach in northern Tamaulipas, Mexico, home to an endangered species of sea turtle.

Just across the border lies Starbase, SpaceX’s launchpad and company town.

Read more: https://cnn.it/44bof5F

07/03/2025

New research shows some female frogs fake their own deaths to avoid unwanted mating. We’re talking full-body limp, floating upside down, even holding their breath. It’s the ultimate ghost move—literally.

Turns out “playing dead” isn’t just for opossums… it’s for frog queens dodging thirsty suitors, too. 🐸

07/03/2025

“Never Paint a Turtle's Shell”
Painting a turtle's shell isn't harmless; it's a silent form of cruelty. Its shell is alive, full of nerves and blood vessels. Through it, it breathes, regulates its temperature, and senses. Covering it with paint blocks its ability to absorb sunlight, essential for its metabolism and bone development. It also prevents it from naturally eliminating bacteria and fungi. Many die slowly from infections or poisoning. It's not art. It's suffering. And often, a torture that ends in silence.

06/28/2025

06/27/2025