The Horn News

Proudly American, Fiercely Independent

Get in the loop!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Privacy Policy

One moment, please:

Processing your submission

  • Home
  • Politics
  • National News
  • Money
  • International
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • America Unleashed

[Pic] 65-pound alligator turtle captured for zoo

June 17, 2020 By: Darrian Johnson

  • Facebook
  • linkedin
  • Post

A 65-pound (29-kilogram) alligator snapping turtle with a face only its mother could love has found a new home at a Virginia zoo after freaking out residents in a northern Virginia suburb.

The turtle, dubbed Lord Fairfax, was repeatedly crossing a residential road in the Alexandria area, according to Fairfax County Police. Not native to the area, the alligator snapping turtle is generally found in the wild farther south.

Animal control officers initially took Lord Fairfax to the county animal shelter, and then to the state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

The fisheries folks say the turtle is just a juvenile and could eventually grow as big as 200 pounds (90 kilograms). They say the northern Virginia climate would have been too cold for him to live in the wild.

He will live instead at The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk.

You can see a full-sized image of the behemoth below:

https://www.facebook.com/fairfaxcountyPD/photos/pb.103085949733551.-2207520000../3992718760770231/?type=3&theater

The Associated Press contributed to this article

About the Author

Darrian Johnson

Darrian Johnson is an experienced, conservative journalist who values facts (not feelings). Originally from Missouri, when he's not traveling for fly fishing, Darrian lives in Maryland.

GAM slot1

POPULAR

  • Boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather earns his nickname in bizarre Vegas arrest
  • Ex-NHL star dead at 47 from mystery illness
  • Grammy-nominated rapper sentenced to 20 years in prison
  • Ageless! Soccer star Messi does unthinkable in sixth World Cup
  • Beloved country music star files for divorce
  • Fowl play? Viral mascot takes over World Cup
  • JD Vance’s liberal TV debut goes off the rails (shocker!)
  • UFC 250 will “never happen again” says…

GAM slot2

GAM slot3

GAM slot4

  • Sign Up Now
  • About Us
  • Social
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Advertise
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Join FREE

Copyright © 2026 | NewMarket Health Publishing, LLC