Saving Endangered Turtles in the Pacific Northwest

The Oregon Zoo continues to fight extinction of the western pond turtle.The western pond turtle is important ecologically to the overall health and biodiversity of our environment. We are working to recover this species so they can be enjoyed by present and future generations.

This year’s batch of 19 western pond turtles all came from the Sondino Pond Sites in Washington. They are currently on view in the new Education Center and are growing - with the largest hatchling weighing in at 14g and the smallest at 5g. This spring, when they reach 50g they will be ready to be released back into their native habitats. To date, the Oregon Zoo has released 751 western pond turtles in the wild. Biologists estimate that 95% of the turtles released have survived to repopulate.

Thank you to our Global Giving donors in ensuring the success of this recovery effort!

For more information click the link below.

Links:

• Western Pond Turtle

The Oregon Zoo's western pond turtle recovery program has a new home in our new Education Center, which opened in March 2017. The Education Center serves as a hub of conservation education, with exhibits that encourage families to consider how "small things matter." This includes small animals, such as western pond turtle, and small actions that people can take to help save this imperiled species. There are currently 14 turtles on view, many of whom will be released to their home pond this coming fall.

To date, the Oregon Zoo has released 737 western pond turtles in the wild. Biologists estimate that 95% of the turtles released have survived to repopulate. As a Global Giving donor, you are a key partner in this success – thank you! For more information on what you can do to save native turtles, click on the link below. 

Links:

• Take action for native turtles