While out patrolling local roads for turtles and other wildlife, Lauren Rego, a Master’s student from the University of Waterloo, came across a heartbreaking sight. A painted turtle had been hit by a car. Her eggs were scattered on the road, and some were still inside her. Lauren gently collected the eggs, rinsed them off with care, and placed them in an incubator.
And guess what? One just hatched.
This tiny hatchling had absolutely no chance of surviving without that rescue. It’s the first successful hatchling we’ve had from a turtle killed on the road. It may be small, but it’s carrying that momma turtle’s legacy forward.
This is why we do what we do. Roads are one of the leading causes of turtle decline in Ontario, and every turtle saved matters.
We’re holding out hope for another clutch rescued from a rare Blanding’s Turtle later this season. But for now, we’re celebrating this little life.
Again, we thank everyone who has made the Long Point Turtle Hatchery a reality with their support. This, of course, includes Long Point Eco-Adventures , the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), our many volunteers, and Friends of the Long Point Biosphere like you.