Bellinger River Turtle

Scientific nameMyuchelys georgesi

Conservation status (IUCN)

Critically Endangered

The Bellinger River Turtle is a short-necked snapping turtle. It almost vanished from its home in the Bellinger River because of disease. Taronga’s keepers and scientists have joined the fight for their survival.

Sydney

Visitor tips for Sydney

You can see Bellinger River Turtles in ARC.
_{*There are a variety of animals included in the ARC Keeper talk. You may not see this exact species, but will hear all about the incredible reptiles that call Taronga home!}

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11:00am

ARC Keeper talk

Fast facts about Bellinger River Turtles

We bet you didn't know these facts about this turtle species.

Scroll across and tap the icon for to reveal info on Bellinger River Turtles.

Turtle food

Bellinger River Turtles eat macro-invertebrates (like insects or crustaceans) found at the bottom of rivers, but can also eat underwater plants and fruits from on land

Shell yeah!

Ever seen the underside of a turtle hatchling?! It’s called the ‘plastron’ and it’s completely fused to the top of turtle’s shell and it’s spine – so the turtle cannot leave its shell – it's all connected!

Chin check

Some Bellinger River Turtles can have two fleshy appendages under the chin which can help differentiate from other species.

Egg tooth

Bellinger River Turtles lay hard, brittle-shelled eggs – the hatchling uses a temporary ‘egg tooth’ to help it break through the shell.

Tiny turtle

When hatchlings are born, they’re only the size of a one-dollar coin! That’s one tiny turtle.

Turtle eggs

Bellinger River Turtles usually lay clutches of 10-16 eggs that are pale white in colour.

Did you know...

30yrs

Bellinger River Turtles can live for at least 30 years.

Where they live

Freshwater rivers, preferring deep and rocky waters

What they eat

They're omnivores - they eat macro-invertebrates, plants and fruits.

Where they're found

Bellinger River in Northern NSW

25cm

A Bellinger River Turtle shell can be up to 25cm in length for a female, and 18cm for males.

16 eggs

A Bellinger River Turtle clutch size can be between 10-16 eggs

30yrs

Bellinger River Turtles can live for at least 30 years.

Where they live

Freshwater rivers, preferring deep and rocky waters

What they eat

They're omnivores - they eat macro-invertebrates, plants and fruits.

Where they're found

Bellinger River in Northern NSW

25cm

A Bellinger River Turtle shell can be up to 25cm in length for a female, and 18cm for males.

16 eggs

A Bellinger River Turtle clutch size can be between 10-16 eggs

Conservation status (IUCN)

Critically Endangered

Bellinger River Turtle Conservation

When the Bellinger River Turtle viral outbreak was detected, Taronga launched into action. Working with the NSW state government and other specialists, Taronga collected 16 healthy turtles to establish a recovery program. In 2023, a purpose-built breeding facility was opened at Taronga Zoo that includes 60 tanks for rearing turtles, and special hatching facilities.
Our program has already proven successful, with over 500 hatchlings emerging across 10 successive breeding seasons. These hatchlings have allowed for five releases into the river to date, with 197 young turtles now returned. Post-release monitoring of turtles is underway to continue improving survival.
Learn more

Herpetofauna Keepers Del Leong and Adam Skidmore. Photo by Jed Nielsen

Conservation stats

Taronga's Bellinger River Turtle conservation stats - and counting!

175+

Taronga has bred and released over 175 juvenile Bellinger River Turtles into the wild. These hatched in our Bellinger River Turtle Conservation Centre.
^{*Data updated 2025}

WATCH: Saving the Bellinger River Turtle