Thirteen freshwater turtles rescued from the drought-stricken Gingham Waterhole in western New South Wales have been returned to the refilled wetland. The September release included 10 broad-shelled turtles and three Murray River turtles from the Gwydir region.
The turtles were among 39 animals taken into care in April after environmental water deliveries were suspended following concerns about inundation on neighbouring private land. The drying waterhole also saw turtles, birds, frogs and sheep die. Researchers found surviving turtles buried deep in the mud and transferred them to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo for rehabilitation.
Two of the rescued turtles were later humanely euthanised, while the remaining 37 recovered sufficiently for rehabilitation. Fourteen female broad-shelled turtles were carrying eggs; staff induced egg-laying for welfare reasons, and 281 eggs are now being incubated at the zoo. The eggs are expected to begin hatching early next year, although not all are expected to hatch successfully.
Environmental flows resumed in late May, and the waterhole reached capacity by the end of June.
The remaining 24 adult turtles are expected to be released by the end of the year, subject to health checks. Officials say frogs and waterbirds have returned, while future deliveries will be planned with landholders and an environmental water advisory group.