Crystal Palace ‘Park Life’: What Animals Can You Spot?

A recent visit to Crystal Palace Park, at Sydenham, reveals some rather unexpected animals…

When most people think of Crystal Palace Park, the iconic images of the dinosaur statues looming over visitors are conjured in the mind. But, part of the Park experience is the living animals too.  Although they might seem somewhat out of place in these essentially prehistoric scenes, they help to breathe life into the Park — a sense of animation — and provide us with an extra sense of scale to help us marvel at the antediluvian stars. 

 

Above: a duck swimming casually by the marine reptile statues at Crystal Palace Park.

 

I have visited the Park many times, and I am accustomed with mallard ducks, geese and coots, casually swimming by (irreverent to the prehistoric marine reptiles, seemingly frozen in time, next to them) or pigeons cheekily dropping into picnics and unsuspecting visitors.  The chatter of goldfinches, great tits and robins (albeit with the occasional cry of a child) form the ambience.  But during a recent visit, I came across some rather unexpected inhabitants…

Lazily perched across a large branch, was a series of five terrapins.  One behind the other, all with their right foot stretched backwards (like they were following a choreographed dance routine in a show).  They were clearly enjoying basking in the sun — and why not, it was a beautiful day.

 

Above: terrapins at Crystal Palace Park basking lazily in the midday sunshine..why not?

 

Separated from the terrapins by an expanse of water, I could only zoom in so far with my optical lens.   So identifying them was tricky.  But squinting through the glimmering sun, I could just about make out the bright red and yellow markings adorning their faces.  I surmised that they were probably red-eared terrapins (Trachemys scripta elegans).  But what are they doing at Crystal Palace Park?

According to a post by the Guardian (2011), thousands of the species were let loose in UK waterways after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles craze faded away.  Yes, they were sadly bought as pets, no longer loved and then dumped…why people do this I really don't know.

… But at least these have survived and are currently enjoying the UK summer of 2014.  Actually, due to these types of pet releases, these terrapins have become an invasive species in many areas of the world. Read more.

So, this summer, when you visit the Park, don't just look at the dinosaur statues — see what other living animals you can observe.  And, if you spot something interesting, then I would be interested to know! 

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