PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Zoo is preparing to release nearly 70 endangered western pond turtles back into the wild.
Zoo scientist David Shepherdson says the turtles experience nearly three years’ growth during the 11 months they were raised at the zoo, giving them an edge against predators.
Youths from Oregon and Washington will help biologists release the turtles in the Columbia River Gorge. The turtles will be weighed Monday in preparation for that trip.
Scientists estimate that 95 percent of the turtles released in the Gorge have survived.
The turtle reintroduction effort involves the Oregon Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Bonneville Power Administration.
