07/08/2026
🐢 Protect Our Baby Freshwater Turtles 💚
It's baby freshwater turtle season, and you may spot tiny hatchlings, like we have around the school, these little guys were found in our Long Jump pits a few years ago where mum had laid her eggs. It's important to check areas around wetlands and ponds.
Here's how you can help:
🐢 Leave them be – If a hatchling is safely making its way to the water, admire it from a distance and let nature take its course.
🐕 Keep pets under control – Please keep dogs on a leash and cats indoors where possible to help protect these vulnerable little turtles.
🦅 Watch for predators – If it is safe to do so, gently scare away ravens or foxes that may be targeting hatchlings.
📍 Record your sighting – Log turtle sightings through TurtleSAT to help scientists monitor and protect our freshwater turtle populations.
If you find a baby turtle in danger:
✅ If it is stranded on a hot path or road, carefully move it (wear gloves if possible) to a shaded area near the shallow edge of the closest pond or wetland.
❌ Do not keep it as a pet, feed it, or place it in a container of water.
📦 If the turtle is injured and needs temporary transport, place it in a dark, solid container lined with a damp cloth—never with standing water.
☎️ If the turtle appears sick or injured, contact the Wildcare Helpline on 08 9474 9055 or your local turtle rescue organisation for advice.
Together, we can help protect these amazing native animals and give every hatchling the best chance to thrive. 💚🐢
