Although two-headed reptiles occur frequently in nature, they normally live for only a short time. “Emily” – its gender was never certainly determined – lived for 3 years and 10 months. It had separate spinal cords and stomachs. The two heads were combative, stealing food from each other and indecisive about which way to swim. The turtle(s) died when one head lodged in the shell and the left side, and presumably a second heart, died.

Recently, a newly hatched two headed painted turtle was brought to the Science Museum where it lived only briefly.

I believe this specimen is especially interesting because it was a great attraction to museum visitors when it lived at the Science Museum. ‘Emily’ had a regular following of interested visitors who came regularly. I still get occasional queries regarding it and even sympathy cards were received after its demise!
– Dick Oehlenschlager, Biology