Oregon, USA - May 28, 2024

The Oregon Zoo and its partners celebrated a significant milestone last week as they returned 11 endangered northwestern pond turtles to their natural habitat in the Columbia River Gorge. After undergoing a year of careful nurturing and preparation at the zoo's conservation lab, the turtles are now poised to thrive in the wild.

As part of a concerted regional effort to bolster turtle populations, conservation scientists employ a strategy known as "head-starting," wherein newly hatched turtles are reared in captivity until they reach a size conducive to survival in their natural environment.

To ensure a smooth transition, zookeepers acclimate the turtles to outdoor conditions, gradually exposing them to fluctuating temperatures. Once the turtles reach a weight of approximately 50 grams, they are transported to ponds along the Columbia River Gorge, where they are reintroduced into their native habitat under the watchful eye of conservationists.

The northwestern pond turtle, also known as the western pond turtle, faces significant threats and is listed as an endangered or sensitive species in the region. Over the past two decades, collaborative efforts between the Oregon Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other key stakeholders have resulted in the release of over 1,600 zoo-head-started turtles, offering hope for the species' recovery.