INTERNATIONAL: Ecuador Releases Dozens of Turtles in Conservation Effort

After almost eight years of being looked after, 43 giant turtles were released into the wild in the Galapagos Islands on Wednesday.

The turtles, from the Chelonoidis Guntheri species, were born and raised in the Arnaldo Tupiza breeding centre in Isabela Island.

Ranging from five to seven years of age, each turtle underwent blood tests and a quarantine period to ensure optimal health before being released, according to Ecuador's Environment Ministry.

After leaving the breeding centre, the animals were airlifted via helicopter into their new habitat near the Sierra Negra volcano, home to four giant turtle populations.