Thirteen turtles went back to the Gingham Waterhole

Ten broad-shelled turtles and three Murray River turtles were released in September at Gingham Waterhole in the Gwydir Wetlands, near Moree. ABC reported on October 9, 2026, that they were among 39 turtles rescued in April after the waterhole dried when Water NSW suspended environmental flows. They recovered at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, in space adapted from the platypus center. Flows resumed in late May and refilled the hole. Ingrid Emery, executive director of conservation programs at the NSW environment department, said the remaining adults are going back in stages as conditions and their health allow.

Fourteen female broad-shelled turtles were carrying eggs. Keepers induced laying, and more than 250 eggs are incubating. Senior keeper James Witcombe said a large share should reach hatching. Foxes and other pests dig up nests at the waterhole, and he said a next generation probably has not come through properly in the last five or six years. The young turtles are expected to be released by the end of next year. Thirteen adults are back at the waterhole. The rest are not all back, and the hatchlings are not out yet.