The creatures were liberated in order to stimulate their numbers in Bolivia’s rivers, where they are endangered due to the high demand for their meat and eggs.

The river turtles also play an important role in the area’s ecosystem.

Bolivia’s President Evo Morales attended the releasing ceremony stating: “We hope to continue to recover our ways of living, to preserve our animals, but also to implement new projects for the benefit of all.” (Euroinews)