Western Pond Turtles are making a comeback, and these week-old hatchlings at the Oregon Zoo are destined to aid in the species’ recovery.

For more than two decades the Oregon Zoo has been working to restore this species to its historic range, which once extended from Baja California to Puget Sound. As a result, Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) numbers are on the rise. This species, which can live up to 70 years, has been profoundly affected by the construction of river dams, invasive plants, predation, and draining of wetlands. (read more and see more photos at the link)

Photo Credit: Carli Davidson, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo 

(via Turtle hatchlings part of 20-year success story at Oregon Zoo - ZooBorns)