GOOSE ISLAND, CHICAGO — She’s big. She’s calm. She’s a certified Chicago icon — and she’s back.
Chicagoans can once again spot Chonkosaurus, the giant snapping turtle first seen lounging near Goose Island last spring. The famously “chonky” reptile has returned to her basking log near a floating wetland in the Chicago River, marking her second consecutive summer appearance.
The sighting was confirmed by wildlife advocate and self-described “plant dude” Joey Santore, who originally filmed Chonk in 2023. In his latest video posted May 31, 2025, Chonk appears larger and even more majestic as she sunbathes on a log.
“This is proof that wildlife can come back — even here,” Santore said in the video, panning over the North Branch of the river. “You got skyscrapers on one side and a prehistoric beast just chilling.”
Who Is Chonk the Turtle?
Chonkosaurus is a Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), one of the largest freshwater turtles in North America. While exact size and weight haven’t been confirmed, biologists estimate she could weigh 30–40 pounds based on video footage and shell girth.
Her docile behavior and plump shape earned her the nickname “Chonkosaurus” when she first went viral in April 2023. The video received over 5 million views and was featured in national outlets including NPR, Chicago Tribune, and USA Today.
Since then, Chonk has become an unofficial mascot for urban conservation — especially in Chicago.
“She’s become a symbol of what’s possible when we invest in natural habitats,” said Shedd Aquarium’s senior research biologist Chris Urban. “People love her because she shows us that nature can thrive even in cities.”
Where Was She Spotted?
Chonk was seen in the same spot as last year: a floating platform along the North Branch of the Chicago River, near the Division Street bridge and Goose Island. The platform is part of a project by Urban Rivers, a nonprofit that’s working to restore aquatic ecosystems in Chicago’s historically polluted waterways.
The area is informally known as “Turtle Alley,” a nickname given by conservationists who installed the floating wetlands and began tracking increased wildlife sightings in 2022.
- More than 40 turtles were documented last summer on the platforms
- Species included snapping turtles, painted turtles, and map turtles
- Habitat also supports ducks, fish, and native aquatic plants
Urban Rivers says the platform design mimics natural riverbanks — soft, plant-rich edges — which had been replaced by concrete walls over decades of industrial use.
“These floating wetlands are like hotel suites for urban turtles,” said Urban Rivers co-founder Josh Yellin. “They offer shade, food, and safety from predators and boat traffic.”
Why Chonk’s Return Matters
Ecologists say that the return of Chonk and other wildlife in the Chicago River is more than just cute — it’s a sign of environmental healing.
The river was once so contaminated that the city was legally barred from letting anyone swim in it. But in recent years, thanks to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and advocacy groups, the water quality has improved dramatically.
Key changes that enabled Chonk’s return:
- Investments in wastewater treatment upgrades
- Installation of floating habitat platforms (since 2017)
- Native species monitoring via camera traps and drones
- Bans on dumping waste and targeted cleanups
“This shows that with enough effort, even the most urban spaces can support real biodiversity again,” said Shedd’s Urban.
How to See Chonk for Yourself (Respectfully)
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of Chonk in the wild, here’s what you should know:
Best Viewing Spot
- Division Street bridge, near the Goose Island branch of the Chicago River
- Look near floating wetland platforms labeled by Urban Rivers
- Early morning or midday on sunny days are best for turtle basking
Kayak Tours
- Shedd Aquarium’s Kayak for Conservation offers guided eco-tours along the riverfront
- Includes wildlife spotting, habitat education, and safe paddling tips
- Book online: sheddaquarium.org/visit/kayaking
Turtle Etiquette
- Don’t touch or approach wildlife
- Don’t feed turtles or leave litter near habitats
- Enjoy from a distance and use binoculars or a zoom lens
Sources & Helpful Links:
- Urban Rivers Turtle Alley Project: https://urbanriv.org
- Shedd Aquarium Kayak Program: https://www.sheddaquarium.org
- Original Chonkosaurus Sighting: https://blockclubchicago.org/tag/chonkosaurus/
Have you spotted Chonk or any other turtles in the Chicago River? What do you think about floating wetlands as a way to bring nature back to cities? Drop your comments below — we’d love to hear your wild encounters.
Stay tuned to ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com for more inspiring stories about urban wildlife, summer events, and hidden gems in your neighborhood.
