HAYS, Kan. (KSNW) -- The Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays has announced the death of its beloved alligator snapping turtle, Levi.
The museum says in a Facebook post that a recent blood test showed a decline in his health that could not be medically treated, and the decision was made to humanely euthanize him. Levi had been with the museum since 2010, when he was rescued from an illegal commercial turtle farm in Arkansas.
The museum does not know his age, but alligator snapping turtles have long lifespans. They were reintroduced this week in Kansas after being extinct in the wild for over 30 years.
Levi's legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of meeting him. He was an amazing ambassador for our museum, and his species that were once native to Kansas. Just this week, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, partnered with Missouri State University, reintroduced Alligator Snapping Turtles back into southeast Kansas waters. Released Alligator Snapping Turtles were tagged and set into a segment of the Neosho River. We feel so blessed that we have been able to be a part of Levi’s story. We are forever thankful for the opportunity we have had to take care of an individual of this incredible turtle species. We will always love Levi, and we will miss him dearly.
Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Fort Hays State University's Sternberg Museum of Natural History is located at 3000 Sternberg Drive in Hays. For more about the museum and its programs, visit their website.
To learn more about the efforts to reintroduce the Alligator Snapping Turtle in Kansas, click here.
