Around twenty European pond turtles have been released back into their natural habitat after a lengthy rearing process at the BIOPARC zoos in Valencia and the Gijón Aquarium. This action is part of a conservation program for this endangered native species, promoted by the BIOPARC Foundation and the Valencian Regional Government's Ministry of the Environment. The program combines specialized care, management of invasive alien species, and environmental awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership and biodiversity protection.
There are experiences that can change the way we understand nature. For the group of girls and boys in the summer edition of Africa Expedition, vacation school At BIOPARC Valencia, conservation has ceased to be a learned word and has become something experienced firsthand, by participating in the exciting moment of the reintroduction of about twenty baby aquatic turtles in their habitatThis action is the final phase of European pond turtle recovery project (orbicularis emys) included in the collaboration agreement of the BIOPARC Foundation and the Ministry of Environment, Infrastructure, Territory and Recovery of the Valencian Government, in which it plays a prominent role BIOPARC Gijón Aquarium.
European pond turtle conservation project (Emys orbicularis)
This hopeful ending is only the most visible part of a protection program for this endangered species which begins in 2024. Several dozen newborns selected by the technical team of the General Directorate of Natural Environment are transferred to the BIOPARC of Valencia and the Gijón Aquarium to receive the best specialized care during the most vulnerable stage of their development. During this time, veterinary assistance, specific feeding, and monitoring have been constant, first in temperature-controlled indoor facilities and, later, in outdoor spaces designed to replicate the conditions they will find in their natural environment.
20 baby turtles are reintroduced into protected wetlands
These two years, during which they receive the best possible care in every way during the early stages of life, are crucial for significantly increasing their chances of survival when they return to the wetland. In this case, the valuable Valencian environment of the Marjal dels Moros and where Natura 2000 Network Brigade It carries out intensive work to safeguard the orbicularis emys.
The success of these performances and the effort to recover the European pond turtle demonstrates the significance of joint commitment between public administrations and specialized institutionsBIOPARC's involvement is at its highest, as having the facilities and professionals from both Valencia and the Gijón Aquarium allows them to expand their breeding capacity for turtles to 40 specimens until they reach an optimal size (at least 8 cm in length) to ensure their survival in external ecosystems.
Each turtle introduced into the wild helps to strengthen native populations., highlighting the need to activate a global and scientific vision of biodiversity preservationRestoring degraded areas in situ while promoting controlled breeding under human care.
Another danger that “the Emys” face is the presence of a invasive exotic species, the Florida turtle (Trachemys scriptaIt is acquired as a pet and frequently and irresponsibly released into the wild, producing a serious damage to the fragile balance of these ecosystemsIn addition to transmitting diseases, a harsh coexistence is established, as they compete for food and space.
“Breaking with indifference” and raising awareness about the importance of conservation
In this context, Raising awareness in society is essential. through outreach and environmental education, a task that is a priority for BIOPARC. Both during visits to the parks of Fuengirola, Valencia and the Gijón Aquarium...as in specific activities like this emotional reintroduction, it is an opportunity to “to break with indifference” and motivate a change of attitude to defend our wonderful planet.
