Zoo succeeds in breeding endangered turtles

SHOTLIST:RESTRICTION SUMMARY: MUST CREDIT SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE++MUSIC CLEARED FOR EDITORIAL USE++SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE - MUST CREDITSan Diego – 3 October 20221. Various, turtle hatchlings ++MUTE++HEADLINE: Zoo succeeds in breeding endangered turtlesANNOTATION: It only took two decades, but a rare and endangered turtle species has finally bred at the San Diego Zoo.ANNOTATION: Zoo officials on Monday announced the arrival of 41 tiny Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle hatchlings.ANNOTATION: Officials say breeding can be an extremely prolonged process as the turtles can take close to 10 years to even reach sexual maturity.STORYLINE:It only took two decades, but a rare and endangered turtle species has finally bred at the San Diego Zoo. Zoo officials on Monday announced the arrival of 41 tiny Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle hatchlings. Conservationists from the San Diego Wildlife Alliance had for 20 years closely monitored three adult turtles for any indications of breeding. Officials say it can be an extremely prolonged process as the turtles can take close to 10 years to even reach sexual maturity. Two nests were found over the summer containing 41 eggs. All survived. Officials say the hatchings make the alliance the first accredited conservation organization in North America to hatch the endangered turtles.===========================================================Clients are reminded: (i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service (iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.