Specimens of **land turtle** and **yellow cardinal** are being released back into the wild in the fields of the Utracán and Puelén departments (La Pampa). These animals [came from voluntary deliveries](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/la-secretaria-de-ambiente-de-san-juan-recupero-9-tortugas-terrestres/) and confiscations, as part of the recovery efforts of the General Directorate of Natural Resources of the Ministry of Production.
The General Director, Carlos Bonnemezón, highlighted that all [release procedures](#) require intense prior work, both administrative and operational. “The attention, care, and conditioning of the animals are carried out by the technicians of this Directorate, who are trained and receive continuous training to do the best possible job,” he stated.
## Awareness about pet-keeping and protection of wildlife
Bonnemezón also emphasized the importance of awareness-raising tasks [regarding pet-keeping](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/rescatan-en-san-luis-a-dos-pumas-que-eran-victimas-de-mascotismo/). “It is a topic that is addressed in schools and advertising campaigns and is of great relevance. Works like the one recently carried out help to enhance the line of work regarding the fact that **wildlife is not a pet**,” he pointed out.
In La Pampa, several species are [endangered](#) due to habitat modification, the expansion of agricultural frontiers, and their commercialization as pets, a practice **prohibited by Law 1194** on Wildlife Conservation.
Among the affected species are the land turtle, the yellow cardinal, the Pampas deer, the Pampas lark, and the crowned eagle.
Marcelo Dolsan, a technician at the Directorate, explained that in the case of turtles, the [voluntary surrender](#) was implemented, while with the yellow cardinals, it was done through confiscation.
“It is necessary to return these animals to nature, but reintegration after spending years in captivity is not an easy task,” he explained. He added that the animals must be in good **condition to be released**, which implies a complex task on the part of the Natural Resources professionals.
## Recovery and reintegration process
Diego La Porta, a veterinarian at the Directorate, explained that “after recovery, a prior quarantine is carried out, which includes **coproparasitological study**, sex identification, diet adjustment, and the search for the best location for **natural release**.”
“Regarding the environment, we make sure they have water, grass, and shade nearby. This area is ideal because it meets these parameters, and we also observe the presence of the species in that place,” he stated.
In the Puelén department, [pairs of land turtles](#) regain their freedom marked with a ring bearing the initials DGRN and a number for subsequent monitoring. “We must discourage pet-keeping, that is, not having wild animals in captivity. To achieve this, we must start by not buying or removing them from their habitat,” he emphasized.
As for the yellow cardinals, in general, anonymous reports are made when they are found in private homes. A legal and administrative process is initiated to **recover the birds** in a joint effort with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the provincial Police.
For more information, please contact the General Directorate of Natural Resources, at Sarmiento No. 161, Santa Rosa; or call: (02954) 452600 / 455384 / 425172.
*Cover photo: APN La Pampa*
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