Fluffy the alligator snapping turtle 'doing well'

Fluffy was rescued from a Cumbrian tarn in February

Fluffy, the alligator snapping turtle saved from a Cumbrian tarn, is faring well in his new home.

He gained worldwide popularity after being fished out of Urswick Tarn, near Ulverston, by a shopping basket-wielding councillor in February.

Fluffy is now proving popular with staff and visitors at Kent's National Centre for Reptile Welfare (NCRW).

Director Chris Newman said the turtle is still recovering from mistreatment, but will soon move to an open air enclosure to enjoy life alongside a female of his species.

Before moving to the NCRW, Fluffy was cared for at Barrow's Wildside Vets.

Dr Dominic Moul, from Wildside, said staff there were sad to let him go.

"We would have loved to have him here," he said, "but they can grow monstrously large and we didn't have the capacity to care for him.

"We're very happy with where he is, but in a selfish way all of us are missing his presence."

Dr Moul said the experience of going viral in the wake of Fluffy's discovery had been great as it allowed the team to highlight the importance of ensuring pets can be cared for appropriately.

'Next door neighbours'

At the NCRW, Fluffy is currently in a small enclosure as he recovers from a metabolic bone disorder that left him with a soft shell.

Chris Newman said the condition is unusual in his species and probably the result of him being poorly treated in the past.

"But he is doing absolutely fine," he added.

"I have no worries about his long-term health."

When Fluffy is up to full fitness he will be moved to a larger, outdoor enclosure close to a female alligator snapping turtle.

"He'll probably stay with us," Mr Newman said.

"It will take us a while longer to get him sorted out before he can join her.

"We won't be keeping them in the same enclosure though, they will be next door neighbours."

Describing Fluffy as a "peaceable animal", he said he was quite small for his breed but still packed a fearsome bite.

"He would not attack you, but if you put a finger in his mouth, you probably wouldn't get it back."