This long-term project targets the recovery of the spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera), an endangered species, by introducing early life support measures, and awareness, conservation and research programs through a sustainable partnership at the public and private levels.

Take a closer look at all our conservation activities.

Since 2009, 86 nests were found and placed in the Zoo’s incubators. More than 1,300 newborns were released in the wild. A telemetry monitoring of the juveniles has been conducted since 2016. The protection and establishment of shoreline habitats, a school program and awareness-raising activities in the region have also been carried out. The Mikinak Turtle Festival was initiated in 2016.

• 14 nests found, gathered and artificially incubated resulting in 254 eggs of which 90.5% hatched, in comparison with a hatching rate of 27% in the wild;
• 226 newborns or juveniles reintroduced in the wild;
• 23 juveniles kept at the Zoo for a period of 10–12 months, to be able to release them in 2019 when they will have increased their weight by five times;
• Telemetry monitoring of 10 juveniles between August and October;
• Collaboration with the Mikinak Festival in Pike River, notably by initiating a guided activity on a pontoon on the Rivière aux Brochets;
• Installation of awareness-raising signs for boaters;
• Stewardship with land property owners.

Monitoring egg-laying activities will go on until 2022, with the objective of returning 2,000 young turtles in nature. A new telemetry season will start in 2019. The various awareness raising activities and stewardships will continue as well with citizens, then within the context of a partnership agreement with Nature Conservancy Canada.