SEATTLE — A small but mighty group of almost 29 endangered western pond turtles will soon be released back into the wild, Woodland Park Zoo announced Wednesday.
Biologists go into the field every spring to attach monitors to adult female turtles and ensure that their nests are protected. Some of the eggs are then collected in the late summer and taken back to the zoo to give the hatchlings a safe head start.
By the time the turtles are released, they are less likely to be predated on because of their larger sizes, according to Kevin Murphy, an animal curator at the zoo.
The turtles are part of the Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project, Washington's longest-running species reintroduction project.
It began in 1991 after the turtle population plummeted in the early 90s, nearly becoming extinct.
Efforts almost the last 30 years have resulted in turtle populations reestablishing themselves around the state.
“With invasive species, low reproductive rates, and real challenges from habitat loss and disease, it is good to know caring organizations like Woodland Park Zoo are working alongside us through their head start program to bring this once prevalent species back to Puget Sound and other areas around Washington,” said Hannah Anderson, WDFW diversity division manager.
Cox Media Group
