[ad_1]
Article content
Known in some First Nations cultures as “the turtle with the sun under its chin,” the young Blanding’s turtles had a perfect, sunny day to make their way out into the world on Thursday.
Article content
As part of a partnership between Parks Canada and the Toronto Zoo’s Adopt-a-Pond program, the Blanding’s Turtle Head-Start initiative is working to repopulate Greater Toronto’s Rouge National Urban Park with the endangered species.
The zoo collects and incubates eggs (from stable populations farther north), they hatch and spend the first two years of their lives at the zoo, growing at an accelerated rate as they don’t have to brumate (similar to hibernation) in the winter.
“They’re now about the size of a four- to six-year-old turtle,” said Rouge Park’s acting resource conservation manager Julia Phillips.
About the size of an adult spotted turtle by the time they’re released, the Blanding’s youngsters are less likely to fall prey to animals like raccoons or foxes, which eat newly hatched turtles and turtle eggs.
Article content
This cohort of released turtles included 15 outfitted with tracking devices, so staff can monitor their progress and follow their locations and movements.
Recommended from Editorial
-
Toronto Zoo red panda welcomes two cubs after ‘passionate goodbye’ with former mate
-
Toronto Zoo welcomes snow leopard cubs ahead of Endangered Species Day
Following a blessing from Mississaugas of the Credit knowledge-keeper Jai King-Green, each turtle was gently taken to the wetland to be released.
While these turtles are making their way out into the wetlands of the Rouge, there are more than 80 turtle eggs incubating at the zoo. Blanding’s turtles are endangered in Canada as well as globally, so every turtle is important to the conservation of the species.
Can I see the turtles?
While you may encounter some Blanding’s turtles while exploring Rouge National Urban Park, the easiest place to see them is in the Americas Pavilion at the Toronto Zoo. This year’s eggs will be hatching in August.
How can I help turtles?
If you encounter an injured turtle, contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre in Peterborough at 705-741-5000.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Share this article in your social network
