Spiny Softshell turtles in the Thames River. Photo courtesy of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.Spiny Softshell turtles in the Thames River. Photo courtesy of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.
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6,000 Turtle Hatchlings To Be Released Into The Thames

The Upper Thames Conservation Authority is going to release more than 6,000 baby turtles into the Thames River.

The Spiny Softshell Turtle is an endangered species, and the Upper Thames Conservation Authority has been protecting their eggs.

The group has one of the most successful and longest running reptile research and recovery programs in Canada, and are thrilled with the record number of hatchlings being released this year.

The Spiny Softshell Turtle population in the Thames has been increasing along with numbers of other turtles.

Their numbers had been dwindling due to loss of habitat, the pet and food trade, and because many of them were caught on fish hooks.

The release of the baby turtles will happen at 11am Wednesday at Fanshawe Conservation area.

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File photo courtesy of  © Can Stock Photo Inc. / dehooks

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