Critical step towards future wild release & saving species from extinction

Body condition & weight checked for adorable hatchlings barely the size of a 50-cent piece

Aussie Ark’s newest baby turtles, some barely the size of a 50-cent coin, have passed their first official health checks, marking a critical milestone in the fight to save three endangered freshwater turtle species from extinction. The routine checks, which assess body condition and weight, revealed that this season’s hatchlings are developing perfectly, a strong step towards their future return to the wild.

Aussie Ark has breeding and rewilding programs for three species of endangered freshwater turtle: the Manning River Turtle, Bell’s Turtle, and Hunter River Turtle. This season, the organisation made waves when it announced the most successful breeding success ever; 172 eggs laid … double the tally of the 2024 season!

The result was dozens of hatchlings, which have been growing and thriving in their specialised aquaria at the Conservation Ark facility, located on the grounds of the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby, NSW.

The hatchlings are approximately four months old and weigh between 10-15 grams, depending on the species. They are teeny but feisty little dinosaurs, whose lineage dates back to the age of the dinosaurs. They have inhabited our rivers for millions of years, but sadly now face imminent extinction, mostly due to feral predators such as foxes and pigs destroying nest sites and eating eggs and hatchlings.

Aussie Ark eliminates that threat by collecting and incubating eggs, then caring for the hatchlings until they’re strong and independent enough to be returned to their wild rivers.

Conservation Ark Supervisor Ruby Hawling oversees this long-term care and vision “These turtles are ancient survivors,” said Ms Hawling. “They’ve roamed our rivers for millions of years, but they’re now at breaking point. Every single hatchling we raise brings hope for the species' survival. And yes, they’re also incredibly cute!”

“It’s such a joy for me to work at Conservation Ark and look after these hatchlings; it’s an amazing program,” Ms Hawling continued. “Juvenile turtles are so cute! They’re so inquisitive. And each one is unique.”

Australia’s freshwater turtles are under serious threat, with feral predators like foxes and pigs destroying nests and preying on hatchlings. Aussie Ark steps in by breeding endangered species and raising the young in safety until they’re strong enough to survive in the wild.

The organisation will continue to monitor and weigh the hatchlings each month ahead of a planned wild release this Spring, the next step in giving these species a fighting chance.

If you’d like to help Aussie Ark with this vital work, saving endangered freshwater turtles, please donate now at aussieark.org.au.