Oregon Zoo Releases 22 Endangered Pond Turtles into the Wild

The Oregon Zoo, in collaboration with various wildlife partners, successfully released 22 northwestern pond turtles into the Columbia River Gorge in Washington state on or around September 14, 2026. This release marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to recover this endangered species, which has experienced a dramatic decline in population over the years. Since the recovery program began two decades ago, more than 1,600 zoo-reared turtles have been returned to their natural habitats, demonstrating a commitment to wildlife conservation and species recovery. The northwestern pond turtle, also known as the western pond turtle, is currently classified as an endangered species in Washington and a sensitive species in Oregon. Historical data shows that the population in Washington was critically low, with fewer than 100 turtles remaining just two decades ago. The recovery program seeks to reverse this trend through various conservation strategies, including head-starting young turtles in controlled environments prior to their release into the wild.

Jen Osburn Eliot, who oversees the turtle conservation program at the zoo, emphasizes that the head-starting process significantly enhances the turtles' chances of survival in their natural habitats. For the recent release, biologists from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife collected turtle hatchlings from the Columbia River Gorge in the spring. These hatchlings were transported to the zoo’s conservation lab, where they received specialized care, including heat lamps and a nutritious diet. This nurturing environment enabled the turtles to grow rapidly, reaching sizes comparable to three-year-old turtles within a year. To facilitate a smooth transition to outdoor life, the turtles were acclimatized to changing temperatures and their diets were adjusted to mirror what they would find in the wild.

The introduction of invasive species, particularly the American bullfrog, poses a significant threat to the survival of the northwestern pond turtle and other vulnerable aquatic species. The bullfrog, which is not native to the region, can weigh over a pound and is known to prey on smaller turtles. Eliot notes that larger turtles have a better chance of evading predation, highlighting the importance of releasing well-sized turtles into the wild. Each turtle returned to its natural habitat plays a role in the overall recovery of the species. The Northwestern Pond Turtle Recovery Project is a collaborative initiative involving multiple stakeholders, including the Oregon Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Friends of the Columbia River Gorge, Bonneville Power Administration, U.S. Forest Service, and other partners. The ongoing efforts of these organizations underscore the importance of teamwork in wildlife conservation.

Looking ahead, continued focus on the northwestern pond turtle population aims to ensure their survival and stability within their ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and ecological health in the region.