WaterNSW had stopped environmental flows to the area after a complaint from a private landholder. Turtles, birds, frogs and sheep died. University of New England scientists raised the alarm in April, calling the situation an "incomprehensible" environmental catastrophe.
Footage from NSW Greens water spokesperson Cate Faehrmann showed researchers digging through mud to find survivors, and scientist Deb Bower's public comments sparked outcry. Thirty-nine turtles went into care at Taronga zoo in Dubbo. In May, the government expedited legislation to protect WaterNSW from liability claims when it delivers environmental flows, and the water came back on.
Six months on, the water hole is full again. The released group includes 10 broad-shelled turtles and three Murray River turtles. Dr Phoebe Meagher, a wildlife conservation officer at Taronga Conservation Society, said two of the 39 needed humane euthanasia and the other 37 were healthy enough to rehabilitate. That leaves 24 still in care. She said getting animals back into the wild is the whole point of conservation science.
Environment minister Penny Sharpe called it a "remarkable conservation outcome," and 281 eggs from rescued turtles are incubating at the zoo.