Ornate Box Turtle - Lincoln Park Zoo Poem by Ima Ryma

An Ornate Box turtle I be,
Born and raised at Lincoln Park Zoo.
Now I'm ready to be set free
To roam land as we turtles do,
Back to the Great Plains habitat,
Where in the grasses I will dwell,
Munching on berries and bugs at
Whatever spot I park my shell.
I could live for thirty plus years,
Counting growth rings to mark the date
On shell of yellow spots and spears,
On dark background - call me ornate.

Lincoln Park Zoo gave me my start.
Thanks to all from this turtle's heart.