Twelve pond turtles were released into a spring in l'Albufera
European pond turtles raised at Oceanogràfic and El Palmar went into Ullal de la Senillera, part of the park's 40th year.
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Twelve European pond turtles were released on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Ullal de la Senillera, a freshwater spring in Albufera Natural Park. Europa Press reported the release the same day. The newspaper lists the species as vulnerable in the Valencian Community. The animals were bred at Oceanogràfic and at the El Palmar aquaculture centre under an agreement with the regional environment department.
The release is one of "40 años, 40 acciones por l'Albufera," a series marking 40 years since the park was declared in 1986. Regional environment minister Vicente Martínez Mus called it another step in reintroduction work the regional government has backed since 2007. Park director Ignacio Lacomba spoke about the collaboration behind the day. Twenty-four students from IES Sucro in Albalat de la Ribera attended. Volunteers with Acció Ecologista-Agró's Projecte Emys will keep monitoring the site. These are freshwater turtles, a different release from the loggerheads that have gone back to the sea at Benidorm.
For the classroom
Europa Press reported that on October 22, 2026, twelve European pond turtles were released at a freshwater spring in Albufera Natural Park in Spain. The turtles were raised at an aquarium and a fish center so the park's small population can grow. Students from a nearby school came to watch, and volunteers will keep checking on the turtles.
- How is a pond turtle's home different from a sea turtle's beach?
- Why raise turtles in care before letting them go?
- What can volunteers look for after a release day is over?
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