Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
Rescued turtles return to a restored wetland in western NSW
Thirteen freshwater turtles have returned to the Gingham water hole in the Gwydir region of western New South Wales.
They were among 39 turtles rescued in April after the wetland dried up when environmental water flows were stopped.
Those flows are water released from dams and tributaries to support rivers and ecosystems.
The dry conditions also led to deaths among turtles, birds, frogs and sheep.
Water flows have since resumed, and the water hole is full again.
Two of the rescued turtles were humanely euthanised, while 24 are still in care and may return by the end of the year after health checks.
Another 281 eggs are incubating at Taronga zoo in Dubbo, with hatchlings expected early next year and possible release into the wetland when they are ready.
Thirteen rescued freshwater turtles have been returned to the Gingham water hole in western New South Wales.
The water hole in the Gwydir region has filled again after environmental flows were restarted.
Thirty-nine turtles were taken into care after the water hole dried up, and two were later humanely euthanised.
Twenty-four turtles remain in care and are expected to return by the end of the year, pending health checks.
A further 281 eggs from rescued turtles are incubating at Taronga zoo in Dubbo.
- Who
- Thirteen broad-shelled and Murray River turtles were returned. The turtles were cared for by Taronga zoo in Dubbo.
- What
- Rescued turtles were released back into the Gingham water hole.
- When
- Late last month, according to the article published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Gingham water hole in the Gwydir region of western New South Wales.
- Why
- The water hole had filled again after environmental flows were turned back on, allowing turtles to return to their habitat.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
By rescuing these turtles and safeguarding more than 250 eggs, we’ve turned a potential loss into a remarkable opportunity for species recovery.
That’s what we work for as conservation scientists – to be able to get animals back into the wild
Sometimes a crisis creates an opportunity to do something truly groundbreaking,
This is a good news story but not because of the efforts …
University of New England scientists raised the alarm and turtles were rescued from the rapidly drying water hole.
The government expedited legislation to protect WaterNSW from liability claims when delivering environmental flows, and water was turned back on.
The first 13 surviving turtles were released back into the Gingham water hole.
The 24 turtles still in care are expected to return, pending health checks.
- Turtles released
- 13
- Species
- 10 broad-shelled turtles and three Murray River turtles
- Turtles rescued
- 39
- Turtles euthanised
- 2
- Eggs incubating
- 281 at Taronga zoo in Dubbo
- Location
- Gingham water hole, Gwydir region, western New South Wales
Sources
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