By Theo Town

Terrapins are a group of small turtles adapted to live in brackish (a mix of fresh and saltwater) or freshwater habitats, such as coastal marshes and estuaries. One well-known species, the diamond-back terrapin, typically measures 4 to 9 inches in length and weighs around 1 to 2 pounds. Despite their tiny size, terrapins are extremely resilient, and most populations migrate north along river systems, partially the Hudson. They make these journeys annually or seasonally, often in search of ideal feeding and nesting sites. Although they thrive in warmer climates, their adaptability allows them to extend their range into northern waters during certain times of the year.

               Why The Terrapin?

                                                    [Ft. Mr. Grijalva]

At a recent meeting of Terrapin Times, Mr. Grijalva shared the story of how the terrapin became the official mascot of BKI; 

“Our first science teacher, Ms. Hadam wanted an animal that’s New York-based, and so the terrapin came up. It’s a tiny turtle that’s strong enough to swim against the current of the Hudson,” Mr. Grijalva said. “It’s small and mighty.” So that’s why BKI chose the Terrapin

                          Terrapin Lore  

                                         [Chapter 1 – City/Date of Birth]

Sept. 5,  2019 On Prospect Park Beach, a baby turtle named Wait, what is his name? For now we’ll call him…. Timmy, so Timmy hatched and instinctively set off towards the water. Clumsily navigating the soft sand and evading obstacles, he felt the salty breeze and sensed lurking dangers. Finally reaching the ocean’s edge, he dove into the cool waves, embracing his new life as a young terrapin ready to explore the underwater world. But just then a scrawny pigeon scooped him up in his beak…

                      Terrapin Lore  

                                       [Chapter 2 – How We Met Our Terrapin]

Sept. 5, 2019 Timmy, still disoriented from his unexpected journey, found himself clutched in the beak of a pigeon, soaring high above the bustling streets of downtown Brooklyn. After what felt like an eternity of flapping wings and shifting scenery, he was unexpectedly dropped onto the pavement below. Fortunately, a passing pedestrian caught him, breaking his fall and cradling him safely as he blinked up at this new world teeming with towering buildings and new sounds. Not knowing what to do with this new creature the pedestrian took Timmy home she put him down on her desk and said 

“Hi. I’m Ms Tejedor”