Nimkii

Nimkii came to us in July 2023. She was an educational turtle at Scales Nature Park before she came to us- and released to the park from the Toronto Wildlife Rescue. Someone had brought Nimkii in without a point of origin, and because no one knew where she originated from she could not be released. Turtles are very attached to their home ranges, and if not released in this area, they often wander lost, not knowing where to brumate or find food, and an estimated 90% will die. 

Nimkii was named with the help of Tracey Taylor at Curve Lake First Nation's cultural centre, and her name means Thunder in Anishinaabemowin. Mshikehn means a turtle (other than a snapping turtle).

Although we do not know how old she is, Nimkii is an adult based on her size so she is at least 20 years old.

Nimkii is mostly a laid back turtle, who doesn’t mind being handled, but she also rules the roots in her tank which she shares with Flora and Fauna, letting them know she is always present- just like thunder.