Western Pond Turtle Rehabilitation Program

The western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) is a state listed endangered species and one of only two native turtles in Washington State. Some adult turtles in the wild are struggling with a shell disease. The cause of this disease is unknown, but it appears treatable. The partnership to care for these turtles includes Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), veterinarians at PAWS, Woodland Park Zoo (supporting Cedar Creek’s program), and Oregon Zoo (supporting Larch Corrections Center’s program).

In the wild, WDFW biologists capture turtles that show the shell disease, and transport them to PAWS for veterinary treatment. Turtles needing longer-term care then move to Cedar Creek to receive daily cleaning, feeding, and monitoring by trained incarcerated technicians. When deemed ready by veterinarians and WDFW biologists, the turtles are released back to their home habitat.

In the spring of 2024, we cared for and released 11 turtles. For the first time since the pandemic, the technicians were able to attend a workshop at the turtle release site. While they were at the release site, the group was able to observe a wildlife biologist find freshly hatched turtles at an egg nest site. We anticipate caring for up to 24 turtles in the 2025 season.

In 2024, four participants earned college credit through the Western Pond Turtle Rehabilitation program education portfolio. Each participant received 10 college credits through Evergreen State College. We anticipate an increased number of participants will earn credit in 2025.

Cedar Creek Technicians participated in the release of rehabilitated turtles. WDFW Biologist also unearthed 4 baby turtles during the release. Photos by Emily Passarelli

Cedar Creek has been caring for turtles from the Puget Sound region since 2013.