A rare and threatened species of two-headed diamondback terrapin turtle was born at the Birdsey Cape Wildlife Center in Massachusetts after hatching two weeks ago, AP reported.

 The diamondback terrapin born from a nest in West Barnstable — has two heads and six legs, which makes the newborn reptile a rare of the rarest species.

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According to USA Today, the rare baby turtle has two independent gastrointestinal systems, and each of its heads works independently for breathing and eating purposes. The turtle also has two spines that fuse together at one point, and each side of the turtle has control of three of the legs.

On the wildlife centre’s Facebook page, staffers explained that the reptile “is a rare anomaly that can occur from both genetic and environmental factors that influence an embryo during development.” He has a condition called  bicephaly.

“Similar to conjoined twins in humans they share parts of their body but also have some parts that are independent. In this case ‘they’ have two heads and six legs. On admission, both sides were very alert and active and our veterinary team was eager to learn more about them, the statement read.

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The creature’s back looks like a diamond coated shield with sequenced black and good stretches.

The turtle originally came from a nest in West Barnstable that researchers determined was in a hazardous location and needed to be moved. After hatching, turtles in these so-called “head start” nests are sent to different care centres to be monitored before their release in the spring, The Cape Cod Times reported.

According to Birdsey Cape Wildlife Center official, the two-headed turtle is feeding well on the diet of blood worms and food pellets and the fact that his heads work independently suggest that he might have two separate lungs as well, however, it is yet to be determined by the experts.

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According to the centre, the rare baby turtle will remain under the supervision of veterinarian Pria Patel and other staff members, who will constantly monitor the turtle. The reptile has been nicknamed Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen after the twin child stars. The staff is hoping to perform a CT scan to learn more about its circulatory system soon.

(With inputs from Associated Press)