Sulawesi Forest Turtle Hatches at Riverview Park and Zoo

Peterborough, ON – A critically endangered Sulawesi forest turtle has successfully hatched at Riverview Park and Zoo. 

The Zoo welcomed the hatchling, named Indy, on February 9, 2026. Indy is the fifth Sulawesi forest turtle to hatch at the zoo, marking another important milestone in its ongoing conservation breeding efforts for this critically endangered freshwater species. 

“The hatchling is currently under observation by our animal care team,” said Matt Dixon, Operational Support Manager, Animal Care, Riverview Park and Zoo. “This is another exciting and meaningful step forward for this critically endangered species. Each successful hatch strengthens the population and builds valuable knowledge that supports conservation efforts. The zoo continues to be the only zoo in Canada working with this species and is one of only a few zoos globally to successfully reproduce it.” 

Native to Indonesia, the Sulawesi forest turtle is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are considered among the rarest freshwater turtles in the world. The species faces significant threats from habitat loss, as well as unsustainable collection for food and the illegal wildlife trade. 

In 2014, two hatchlings, Blinky and Skippy were among the first Sulawesi forest turtles successfully hatched in Canada. 

In 2017, Riverview Park and Zoo received the Colonel G. C. Dailley Conservation Award from Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums. The national award recognizes excellence in species propagation and conservation achievement. 

The zoo continues to collaborate with accredited zoological partners to support the long-term sustainability of the species through coordinated breeding programs and conservation initiatives that contribute to global wildlife preservation efforts. 

For more information or to support Riverview Park and Zoo, visit riverviewparkandzoo.ca.