SAN DIEGO, CA (May 22, 2026) – Fifteen southwestern pond turtle hatchlings have been released into the San Gabriel River watershed in the Angeles National Forest, marking a major milestone in efforts to restore one of Southern California’s most at-risk native turtle populations.
The young turtles are the offspring of 11 adult turtles rescued in 2020 following the Bobcat Fire, which burned more than 115,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest and severely impacted critical aquatic habitat. After being brought to the San Diego Zoo during the post-fire recovery period, the adult turtles unexpectedly laid eggs, producing the hatchlings.
“Southwestern pond turtles are California’s only native turtles, and it’s incredible to see them returning to their natural habitat after the devastation of the 2020 Bobcat Fire,” said Brandon Scott, Wildlife Care Manager Herpetology and Ichthyology, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “These turtles have been a vital part of California’s ecosystems for a long time and protecting them while working to reestablish their population is critical for biodiversity.”
Southwestern pond turtles (Actinemys pallida) are currently being assessed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for potential listing under the Endangered Species Act. Once common across Southern California, southwestern pond turtles are now increasingly rare due to habitat loss and competition from invasive species such as crayfish, bullfrogs, African clawed frogs, and largemouth bass, which often prey on hatchlings.
"The U.S. Geological Survey has worked with partners since 2000 to study the population status of southwestern pond turtles, their habitat characteristics and threats from concerns such as drought, wildfire, floods and invasive species," said USGS supervisory research biologist Robert Fisher. "Long-term population monitoring allows for a more accurate understanding of their vulnerabilities, needs and future viability, helping inform recovery efforts like this and understanding when and where to return the hatchlings in the wild."
The original 11 adult turtles—some of them 35 to 40 years old and part of a long-term research population—were rescued through a coordinated effort led by the U.S. Geological Survey, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, Endemic Environmental Services Inc., and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The turtles were returned to back into the San Gabriel River in 2024 after conditions stabilized, and the newly hatched turtles were later raised at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance until they were ready for release. Now released into the San Gabriel River watershed, the hatchlings represent a new generation helping to strengthen a fragile population and underscore the long-term impact of coordinated conservation efforts.
“Seeing these hatchlings return to the forest is a powerful reminder of what recovery looks like,” said Darrell Vance, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Manager, Angeles National Forest. “These young turtles represent hope, and they’re also proof of what we can accomplish when partners come together with a shared commitment to conservation.”
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About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships and groundbreaking efforts at the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, both leading zoological institutions and accredited botanical gardens. Through wildlife care expertise, cutting-edge science and continued collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. The Alliance reaches over 1 billion people annually through its two conservation parks and media channels in 170 countries, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television, available in children’s hospitals across 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
