Aussie Ark Conducts Largest Turtle Processing Operation

Every turtle found was health checked as Aussie Ark prepares for a mass wild release this Spring

Conservation organisation Aussie Ark has conducted the largest freshwater turtle processing operation in its history, draining outdoor ponds of water to search for, and health check, dozens of endangered Hunter River Turtles.

Located in the grounds of the Australian Reptile Park, these turtle ponds are part of Conservation Ark’s breeding and rewilding program for the species. Spanning over four years, the program has introduced Hunter River Turtles of all ages into this environment.

Notably, it’s the first time Aussie Ark has trialled introducing new hatchlings to the pond. These hatchlings were born in this year’s breeding season and placed outside just before winter, joining two and three year old teenagers and nine adults.

In total over 90 turtles have lived and thrived in this outdoor environment, ‘hardening’ for the wild. They have adapted to weather and seasonal changes, foraged for natural food, developed predator awareness and weaned off human contact. They are now ready to be returned to their wild rivers, and the only way to get hands on them is to drain the pond.

Conservation Ark Supervisor Kaitlin Murphy directed operations, running a petrol-driven pump to slowly remove the 40,000 litres, and leading the ten-strong team in the turtle treasure hunt.

“As the water dropped the team very carefully moved through the pond looking for turtles,” Ms Murphy said. “The lower the water, the harder the search became! There’s a thick layer of silty mud at the bottom, which the turtles love…and where they hide. We moved super slowly, sliding our feet on the bottom instead of stepping, to avoid injuring any animals.”

Ms Murphy said it “was so exciting to find one”, and one by one Hunter River Turtles were extracted. Next step was a mass health checking exercise, that Ms Murphy described as “turtle production line”. Aussie Ark team members worked together to inspect every individual, recording weight, dimensions, age and body condition. Adult turtles were matched in the database by scanning existing microchips, while smaller turtles were marked with nail polish colours to visually identify each one.

Aussie Ark Co-CEO Hayley Shute rolled up sleeves to assist with operations and was thrilled with the condition of the turtles.

“Emptying the pond has enabled us to secure our turtles, check their health, and make sure they’re developing well and hitting their milestones,” Ms Shute said. “It’s an unprecedented mass capture of our Hunter River Turtles, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.”

The turtles are now ready for their next big step; returning to the Hunter River where they belong. This spring Aussie Ark plans to execute a world-first wild release for the species, which will mark yet another nationally significant conservation milestone for its freshwater turtle breeding and rewilding program.

Without this sort of intervention, the Hunter River Turtle faces imminent extinction. Their nest sites are dug up by feral pigs and foxes, which eat their eggs and even hatchlings, and the turtles are also impacted by habitat loss, water pollution and climate change.

Please help Aussie Ark continue its vital work breeding and re-wilding the Hunter River Turtle. Through Aussie Ark’s Spring Appeal, you can support the final critical steps in our quest to return these iconic Australian reptiles back to the wild. Donate today: https://aussieark-springappeal.raiselysite.com/