Old Benson’s Wild Animal Farm in Hudson, New Hampshire, is Now a Turtle Meetup Spot

If you listen to our show, you might know about the soft spot I have in my heart for turtles. I am the proud owner of a Red Eared Slider named Schlomo. My husband and I got her (admittedly on a whim) online when we were in college on website called turtleshack.com. When she arrived in a Tupperware container, she was the size of a quarter. We later found out that she is an invasive species, and owning this type of turtle as a pet is not recommended. But we were 20 years old and didn't do much research. You know how it goes!

Schlomo as a baby:

Now, 12 years later, Schlomo is still kicking! She has moved with us several times and is an important part of our family. She certainly keeps us on our toes, since we thought she was a dude for the first eight years of her life. One day she decided to lay eggs, and to our shock and disbelief, we found out that HE is actually a SHE. We kept the name Schlomo to avoid confusion, and of course we love her no matter what pronouns she chooses to use.

Schlomo more recently:

People react strangely when I tell them I have a pet turtle. I know she's not cuddly and sweet like a cat or dog, but she does bring a lot of joy and fulfillment to my life. Does she know who I am? Honestly, I'm not sure, but I like to think that she does. She knows that I am the hand that feeds her, literally.

Speaking of turtles, Carole Maynard posted this photo to the U Local New Hampshire Facebook page. Look at all of these turtles soaking up the sun at Benson's Park in Hudson, New Hampshire.

Obviously I am not the only Granite Stater who has a soft spot for turtles, since this photo received 2,000 likes and was shared 197 times!

Some favorite comments included:

Debbi Muse:
So cute! I bet that one on the end on the left is saying "can y'all scootch over a little?" 😄

 

Lynne Reilly:
Adorable!! I saw this when kayaking on the Concord River!! 😊💗

 

Arnie Johnson:
Hanging out together getting a tan! 😉

If you are confused because you though Benson's Wild Animal Farm closed years ago, it did! But according to Carole, the town purchased the land and turned it into a nice park. There are paved and unpaved trails, a children’s play area, nice little pond, and a 9-11 memorial with a metal beam from ground zero.

So we now know Benson's Park in Hudson is a great place to see turtles in the wild! Do you know of any other turtle hangout spots in New Hampshire?