DATE: Saturday, November 8, 2025
TIME: 3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.
LOCATION: Crete Hall
Western Pond Turtle Conservation
Learn about the Western Pond Turtle – the only native freshwater turtle species in California!
Join Chris Llewellyn and Jessica Furtado, Education Specialists from the Sacramento Zoo, to learn about Western Pond Turtle conservation currently work being done locally. Threatened by habitat loss, pollution, invasive species and urbanization, the Western Pond Turtle is currently being considered for listing as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. With declining numbers – up to 99% in some areas – recovery efforts are urgent. Learn how everyone can help to prevent this species’ population decline and ensure their survival.
Presenter Chris Llewellyn is an Education Specialist at the Sacramento Zoo with over 30 years of experience in the zoo field. Chris specializes in working with and training animal ambassadors and sharing their stories to connect the public to the natural world. Deeply involved in conservation, both locally and internationally, Chris volunteers with turtle research at Bushy Lake and has recently worked with the Painted Dog Research Trust in Zimbabwe.
Presenter Jessica Furtado is an Education Specialist at the Sacramento Zoo with a degree in Environmental Studies and Planning. Working in the field of outdoor education and interpretation since 2017, Jessica fell in love with bridging connection between people and nature. Since 2022, Jess has informed students and visitors about California wildlife and conservation at the Sac Zoo and volunteers for the East Bay Regional Parks District, as an animal care volunteer at International Bird Rescue, and at Bushy Lake working with Western Pond Turtles
