2023-06-20 06:45:19
Ennepetal (NRW) – Whoever stands on the estate of Axel Meier (56) has the feeling that he is in a small zoo. More than 70 turtles cavort in his garden paradise.
The entire property is designed appropriately. There are two large turtle houses there, there are two swimming ponds, sand pools, retreats for the animals and sufficient space for walking.
A paradise for its animals. Next to the turtle house is the pond
Photo: Andreas Buck
Axel Meier is actually a master hairdresser and has his own salon in his house. But in his spare time he devotes every minute to his more than 70 smaller turtles and three giant turtles. He has 22 different species, the youngest is one year old, the oldest over 60.
“It was important to me to create a natural environment for the animals. That’s why I converted every square meter of my garden for them,” says the 56-year-old.
On particularly hot days, his protégés enjoy a cold shower from the watering can
Photo: Andreas Buck
His love for reptiles was awakened when, at the age of 14, he saw a school friend’s tortoise. From then on they wouldn’t let go of him.
Turtle expert advises zoo on Zanzibar
He is now a recognized turtle expert, has the major certificate of competence (a kind of driver’s license for keeping reptiles) and regularly gives specialist lectures.
He even advises a turtle zoo on Zanzibar. Thanks to his optimization of the husbandry there, all the animals had offspring the following year. The zoo hadn’t been able to do that before.
Each room has its own turtle area
Photo: Andreas Buck
The master hairdresser is so crazy about the reptiles that not only have they taken over his garden, but there is also a terrarium in almost every room in his house.
Some of the armored animals spent their hibernation in the well-tempered tortoise shells. Others spent the winter a bit more exclusively – in the wine fridge: “The smaller ones are in there because I can set the temperature exactly. They feel most comfortable at 4 degrees.”
Axel Meier enjoys the peace and relaxation of the animals in the turtle house
Photo: Andreas Buck
Chilling in the turtle house
On some evenings, when the working day was very hectic and stressful, Axel Meier sometimes sleeps on a mattress with his three favorite animals, the giant tortoises Luise (15), Othello (15) and Sneaker (32). “I love watching them. Besides, I can really calm down with them.”
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Meier is keen to keep his system up to date. He regularly improves the filters and lighting.
But the fun also has its price. He pays around 1,000 euros a month just for the electricity for his animals.
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