Sulawesi Forest Turtle Hatches at Riverview Park and Zoo 

A critically endangered Sulawesi forest turtle has successfully hatched at the Riverview Park and Zoo.

photo courtesy of the riverview park and zoo.

The zoo welcomed the hatchling, named Indy, on Feb. 9. 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 of Animal Care at the 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 named 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 the website.

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Wild Loose Moose Spotted In Peterborough's West End Safely Moved Out of the City

A wild moose on the loose spotted in the west end of town has been safely moved out of the city by Peterborough Police Service and Ministry of Natural Resources, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Waudby.

Numerous reports of the moose were made to the Police since Tuesday morning when it was sighted and the public was urged not to interact with any wildlife.

The moose’s whereabouts were to the Ministry of Natural Resources to help transport it safely.

The Peterborough Police thanks the public for their patience and reporting the animal’s sightings. 

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Moose on the Loose In Peterborough's West End; Police Warn Public Not to Approach Wildlife

A wild moose is on the loose and was spotted in the west end of town in the Weller Street area on Tuesday morning. Peterborough Police Service urges everyone to avoid contact or conflicts with any wildlife.

Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Waudby.

The Police have contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources with the latter offering tips for staying safe:

  • Never approach a wild animal. Always keep you, your family and pets a safe distance away from wildlife. Dogs should be kept leashed.

  • If a deer, elk or moose approaches you, back off and look for a tree, fence or building to hide behind. If the animal charges, run to the nearest obstruction (like a tree, fence or building).

  • Leave orphaned wild animals alone (parents are often close by and will return for their young)

  • Always drive with caution if wildlife may be in the area. Brake firmly if an animal is standing on or crossing the road, stopping if necessary. Swerving to avoid hitting a wild animal may result in loss of control and a more serious collision.

  • If you see a wild animal while in your vehicle do not try to get closer. Do not feed it from your vehicle. When people feed them from their vehicles, it teaches these animals to associate cars and humans with a potential food source. This can lead animals to wait on the roadsides or even approach vehicles hoping to get food. This can cause traffic hazards and safety concerns for animals and roadway citizens.

  • If there is an immediate threat to public safety, dial 911 or the local police service.

If the public has a sighting of the moose and it is safe to do so, please report it to the Peterborough work centre at 705-755-2001 or mnrf.pet@ontario.ca.

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April Photography In Review With Dave Ellis

Omemee-based wildlife photographer Dave Ellis shares some of his captures from the month of April. You can see his work featured in our daily ‘Good Morning PTBO’ posts.

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Photos: Moose Spotted Roaming Bobcaygeon Neighbourhood

Local man Frank Cairns shared photos of a moose in his Bobcaygeon neighbourhood.

Cairns shared his unique captures of the moose on his street in Perfectus Point, Bobcaygeon to social media.

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Photo Series of Unbelievable Dave Ellis Captures Prove Otter and Smallmouth Bass Are Not Photoshopped

A ‘Good Morning PTBO’ picture by Dave Ellis posted to our social media platforms Thursday morning stirred up some speculation.

photo by dave ellis.

The one of a kind capture shows a local otter eating a smallmouth bass on the Otonabee River.

“When you shoot at a fast shutter speed the camera freezes the action and it sometimes looks unnatural,” Ellis explains. “I can assure you that the otter did catch this fish and the picture is not photoshopped.”

The series of captures below shows the otter catching the bass.

“Thank you for all of the nice comments on my photo. I really appreciate them and I am glad you enjoyed the photo. It was phenomenal to watch the otter catch this fish,” Ellis adds.

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February Photography In Review With Dave Ellis

Dave Ellis is an Omemee-based wildlife photographer. PTBOCanada features his work in our daily ‘Good Morning PTBO’ posts. Here are some of his captures from the month of February.

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Dave Ellis January Photo Recap

Omemee-area wildlife photographer Dave Ellis shares his captures from the month of January.

The winter images feature various local environments and different species of wildlife; on land and in water.

PTBOCanada often features his work in our ‘Good Morning PTBO’ posts, which you can find on our social media accounts.

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Local Photographer Releases Kawartha Lakes Wildlife Calendar

Local photographer Dave Ellis is putting his work on display by selling 2022 calendars of his wildlife photos.

Dave Ellis (pictured) has been doing photography for five years since his retirement. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis.

Two different calendars are available for purchase from Ellis. This is his third year creating and selling them.

The calendars contain wildlife found in the Kawartha Lakes area contains shots of animals such as bald eagles, snowy owls and more.

”A lot of people have no idea that these things are here. A lot of people don't even know that we have bald eagles,” said Ellis. “These were shot probably no more than five kilometres from right here (in Peterborough).”

The calendars were created in late October with roughly 200 printed up. People from all over the world have purchased Ellis’s calendars such as United States and Europe.

Ellis has had his photos showcased in local media for roughly three years.

Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis.

Calendars are available by emailing wildlife@eastlink.ca. They are available for pickup or by delivery.

"We've always been canoeing, fishing and that kind of thing, being out in nature,” reflected Ellis.” We had time once we retired to appreciate the outdoors more."

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Look At These Hatchlings Born To Mothers Rescued By Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre

Peterborough's Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre is vital in saving turtle's lives. Their mission is to protect and conserve Ontario’s native turtles and the habitat in which they live. They operate a turtle hospital that treats, rehabilitates and releases injured turtles.

What better evidence of the awesome work they do then the mothers they rescue who give birth to hatchlings. LIke these...

The eggs were laid by mothers receiving care at the hospital and incubated at KTTC.

To learn more about the great work Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre does, to volunteer, or to contact them about an injured turtle, click here.

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