Saving Endangered Turtles in the Pacific Northwest

Thank you for your support which allows the Oregon Zoo to continually innovate ways to keep our cherished western pond turtles engaged in natural behaviors and advance conservation actions throughout the Northwest. In their temporary home at the Oregon Zoo, the turtles have consistent circulating water with multiple basking spots and live plants! The 23 western pond turtles will go back to their home ponds late this summer or early fall.

The western pond turtle, once common from Baja California to the Puget Sound, is listed as an endangered species in Washington and a sensitive species in Oregon. Two decades ago, western pond turtles were on the verge of completely dying out in Washington, with fewer than 100 turtles left in the state. Since then, more than 1,500 zoo-headstarted turtles have been released. Your help in ensures the success of this recovery effort for these vulnerable and important animals!