Thousands of turtles released into Puru's wilderness

RIO PACAYA, Peru - Thousands of tiny taricaya turtles were released into Peru's wilderness on Wednesday as part of a 31-year-old conservation program.

In coordination with workers from the National Service of Areas Protected by the State (SERNANP), 5,000 of the baby turtles were released into protected rivers and lakes in Peru's Loreto Department.

Peru's Minister of the Environment, Elsa Galarza, said that the release helps to maintain the stock of turtles native to the region, allowing for the native population to access them as a traditional food source without fear that the animals will run the risk of extinction.

The baby turtles are released annually from mid October through mid November.