One of the world’s most dangerous turtle species has been re-homed at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry after being abandoned by its owners.
The alligator snapping turtle, nicknamed Godzilla, was rescued by the Specialist Wildlife Services charity.
Godzilla, who is still a juvenile, could live to be 100 years old. The turtle is about 18 inches long, but could reach up to 3ft.
It is believed Godzilla was seized by customs officers at Heathrow Airport.
Deep Sea World’s Paul Strachan said, “Alligator snapping turtles are actually native to the United States of America.
“However, in the past they have occasionally been released into British waterways, with devastating effects.”
He added, “They hunt by lying motionless in the water with their mouths wide open.
“Their tongues have evolved a bizarre, worm-like appendage which they wiggle as bait to lure prey into their immensely strong beak-like jaws.”
At 1000lb per square inch, snapping turtles are believed to have the second strongest bite strength of any animal in the world after the crocodile, and some experts believe they may be able to live for up to 150 years in the wild.
Godzilla will become one of the star attractions of a new Jaws feature which opens at Deep Sea World next month.