Volunteers have rescued upward of 50 animals — at least eight of them turtles — as renovations move forward at Freestone Park's lakes in Gilbert, Arizona.
Here's what to know
East Valley Wildlife is working alongside Crystal White, who runs Crystal's Critter Haven, on the animal removals. Their volunteers have been responding as the lakes are drained for construction, White told ABC15.
Residents and wildlife specialists have a greater role in the effort. Gilbert expanded its coordination with local wildlife rescuers after community members voiced concerns about animals affected by the renovations.
More background
Turtles were to be relocated, while waterfowl would leave as water levels fell. Those were the approaches outlined in a wildlife relocation plan that Gilbert told ABC15 it had developed with its contractor before construction began.
Community feedback and wildlife expertise could help shape better plans for future lake renovations, Gilbert's parks and recreation director, Michael Elliott, said in an ABC15 interview. He acknowledged room for improvement in the process.
White hopes this experience will lead to clearer wildlife rescue procedures ahead of future construction projects. For the current effort, she said volunteers need to coordinate with both Gilbert and its construction contractor.
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What's being done?
Wildlife groups and designated volunteers needed a safety briefing and appropriate protective equipment before entering the south lake work zone.
Gilbert said its contractor will retrieve any additional turtles found at the north lake and transfer them to rescuers for relocation. That work zone is open only to construction staff because renovations there are further along.
"I think it's a learning experience for everybody," she said. "That's what we need more of, and having a clear plan to start with, that would be ideal for me."
Where can I learn more?
These stories follow rescuers as they come together to help free snakes, an owl, sea turtles, and bears.
• In Kerala, India, nearly 3,000 volunteers rescue snakes for free, fielding nearly 40 calls daily.
• In Mesa, Arizona, crews cut away fishing line to free an owl hanging from a power pole.
• In Delray Beach, Florida, crews release two rescued sea turtles back into the ocean.
• In La Verne, California, rescuers cut open a tank to free a mother bear and three cubs.
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