Release of 140 turtles marks celebration of life and nature in Salvaterra in Marajó
The release of Amazon turtles and tracajás in Lake Caraparu moved the audience and reinforced the commitment to wildlife protection
Sunday (20) was a reunion with nature in the municipality of Salvaterra, in the Marajó Archipelago. In an action that brought together science, conservation, and environmental education, 140 turtles of the Amazon turtle and tracajá species were released into Lake Caraparu. The activity was part of the Summer Operation 2025 program and was promoted by the Institute for Forest Development and Biodiversity of Pará (Ideflor-Bio) and the Mangal das Garças Zoobotanical Park, with support from the Secretary of the Environment of Salvaterra.
The moment of release attracted locals, visitors, and local authorities. The audience witnessed the reintroduction of the animals to their natural habitat. All turtles were bred and raised in captivity, under the technical care of Mangal das Garças, from the laying of the eggs to the juvenile stage, when they were already capable of surviving in a natural environment. The action moved the present audience and reinforced the commitment to the protection of Amazonian wildlife.
The logistical operation of the release was carefully planned. The manager of the Marajó Administrative Region of Ideflor-Bio, Hugo Dias, made a technical visit to the Mangal das Garças team, where all the details were discussed, from the safe transport of the animals to the ideal conditions of the release site.
“The return of these animals to the natural environment is the result of a joint effort that combines technical knowledge, love for nature, and environmental responsibility. It is a moment to celebrate the life and biodiversity of our Marajó,” said Hugo Dias.
Awareness - During the activity, visitors also participated in educational actions. Teams from Ideflor-Bio, Mangal das Garças, and the Secretary of the Environment of Salvaterra shared information, distributed informative material, and conducted activities aimed at children. The intention was to raise awareness about the ecological role of turtles and the risks they face, such as wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction.
For the biologist of Mangal das Garças, Basílio Guerreiro, the release goes beyond the direct preservation of species: it is an action that contributes to the balance of aquatic ecosystems. “These organisms are important for the food chain because they will serve as food for some fish and will also feed on organisms that already exist in the rivers. These organisms will help maintain environmental control, so everything will remain in balance if these animals are present,” he explained.
In addition to the ecological impact, the action also seeks to sensitize residents and tourists about the importance of collective care for the environment. The presence of families and the participation of children were highlights of the program, consolidating the goal of forming an active environmental culture focused on valuing the fauna and natural resources of the Amazon.
Progress - For the president of Ideflor-Bio, Nilson Pinto, Sunday ended with applause and emotional looks as the turtles slowly glided into the waters of Lake Caraparu, starting a new phase of their lives. According to him, the action leaves a clear message: protecting the Amazon is a commitment that starts with small gestures and gains strength with the involvement of everyone.
“This initiative also had a strong symbolic character, showing that the conservation of biodiversity depends on the union between public institutions, research centers, and the community. With the success of the activity in Salvaterra, we intend to expand similar actions in other areas of Marajó, contributing to the population recovery of turtles and to environmental education in the territory,” concluded the president of Ideflor-Bio.
