# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DeH21d-FyWD
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71333326-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/e934dee71f.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-05T18:30:26.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

With this week being #ScienceLiteracyWeek, did you know your Toronto Zoo relies on evidence-based science to support our field conservation programs? 
 
We are excited to share that earlier this year, new research from our Field Conservation team and collaborators was published in the Journal of Wildlife Management 🐢 
 
In this study, long-term population modeling was used to evaluate whether the Blanding’s turtle population in Rouge National Urban Park is likely to persist long-term, and to test how continued head-starting efforts could support population recovery and long-term sustainability. 
 
Some key findings were: 
🐢 Continued head-starting could support reaching a sustainable population size within the next 20 years 
🐢 Juvenile turtle survival is predicted to have the greatest influence on population growth and extinction risk 
🐢 Ongoing management actions that reduce juvenile mortality and support recruitment are critical for recovery success 
 
Aligning with our commitment to reverse.the.red for Blanding’s turtles, this study is a great example of how important regular re-evaluation of conservation programs is in recovery efforts to remain effective. 
 
This work also reflects the goals of the Toronto Zoo’s #GuardiansofWild Strategic Plan (2025-2028) by advancing science-driven conservation action, strengthening species recovery efforts, and helping create a future where people, wildlife, and wild spaces thrive. 
 
Read the full article and learn more at the link in our bio 🐢

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## Tags

guardiansofwild, scienceliteracyweek

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