This footage was filmed and produced 26 March 2024.

38 European marsh turtles have returned to the Donau-Auen National Park after a "winter vacation" at the Vienna Zoo. Upon their homecoming, the turtles immediately submerged into the familiar waters near the Auerlebnisgelande Schlossinsel. The reptiles' habitat was excavated and redesigned over the cold months as part of the "Biodiversity in the Alpine Carpathian Corridor" project. Due to these renovations, the marsh turtles could not hibernate at the bottom of the water as usual and were therefore brought to the zoo in late autumn.

"In the zoo, we were able to simulate natural winter conditions using climate cabinets. Consistent temperatures are particularly important until the animals are gradually awakened from hibernation. Our experienced care team has looked after the turtles and regularly monitored their health. As a long-standing partner of the National Park in the protection of European marsh turtles, we are pleased to have been able to help here as well," said zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck.

The water areas around the Schlossinsel harbor not only the only native turtle species in Austria but also other animals such as insects, amphibians, and fish. To ensure long-term suitable habitats for these species, the Mühlgang and the Mühldumpf, parts of the Fadenbach watercourse near Orth an der Donau, were structurally deepened.

The Schlossinsel is an important site for environmental education. Accordingly, the 4b class from the Volksschule Orth an der Donau was allowed to be present at the return of the marsh turtles and help bring the animals to the water. Maria Schindler, the head of the marsh turtle protection project, told the school class a lot of interesting facts about these fascinating animals during the process.