Just days before World Turtle Day, 19 endangered northwestern pond turtles were returned to the wild in a celebratory release by the Oregon Zoo.
After a year of care and growth in a special conservation lab, the turtles were strong enough to survive on their own.
The event, joined by wildlife officials and the Klickitat Band of the Yakama Nation, marked a major step in restoring the species.
With cheers and cultural blessings, the turtles made their way back to the Columbia River Gorge – ready to reclaim their place in nature.