On July 23, 2014, 22 Alligator Snapping Turtles (AST) that had previously been housed at Peoria Zoo were released into the wild in southern Illinois. Helping with the release were four members of the Zoo’s staff.
The Zoo’s partnership in the AST recovery program started in 2006. A staff biologist from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) approached the Zoo about working on a newly conceived AST recovery program. The Zoo was eager to help reintroduce a species that was endangered in the state and thought by many to be extinct in Illinois. In November of 2006, 37 yearling turtles arrived and were placed in an off-exhibit area. Over the years, more turtles were added and some were transferred to other holding facilities.
In 2009, IDNR conducted its first successful release of AST. With knowledge gained from that release, a more ambitious release was planned for 2014. In all, 97 turtles of varying age classes were chosen for release. To maximize their chance for survival and minimize any negative effects on other wildlife in the release areas, all of the turtles were taken to the University of Illinois for physical exams. Of particular importance was a blood test for Ranavirus, which has been implicated as a major factor in the worldwide decline in amphibians.
After the exam and test results showed the turtles to be in good health and free of Ranavirus, a date was set for release and the Zoo was invited to send staff members to participate. Dawn Petefish, Collections Curator, and Doug Holmes, Reptile Keeper, were chosen to go as they have done the majority of the work involved with the program. Two other keepers, Paul Wenzel and Katie Carlson, also made the trip to be part of this extraordinary experience.
Processing the turtles took several hours with measurements taken, and individual identifiers and transmitters being attached. Paint was applied to camouflage the adhesive used on the transmitters and the humidity did cause a problem with the paint drying. Doug Holmes said, “It’s the only time I actually sat and watched paint dry”.

After processing, the turtles were taken to areas chosen to maximize their chance for survival. Then the Zoo staff was given the honor of actually putting the turtles into their new homes. Said Dawn Petefish, “A lot of people have worked really hard to get the ASTs to this point, and I am grateful to have been involved with such a collaborative effort and to finally see these animals reintroduced to the wild is truly special.”
Peoria Zoo continues to hold 43 turtles off exhibit with one turtle on exhibit in the Tropics Building. The staff is anxious to hear news of the latest release and to continue their work as a partner in this important conservation program.
Alligator Snapping Turtle Facts:
They can be identified by their three large, pronounced ridges running from the front to the back of their very large shells. They have a snout that is pointed and their eyes are on the sides of their heads instead of the top like the common snapping turtle.
They can weigh up to 220 pounds.
The alligator snapper employs a unique natural lure in its hunting technique. Its tongue sports a bright-red, worm-shaped piece of flesh that, when displayed by a motionless turtle on a river bottom, draws curious fish or frogs close enough to be snatched.
They are sedentary animals that spend most of the time underwater, and only surface every 40 to 50 minutes for air.
Adult snappers have no natural predators other than humans, who capture them for their meat and shells, and to sell in the exotic animal trade. A severe reduction in population due to unregulated harvesting and habitat loss has led states to protect them throughout most of their range, and they are listed as a threatened species.
The prehistoric-looking alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America and among the largest in the world.
For additional Information contact Dawn Petefish at (309) 681-3501.