A total of 166,000 Arrau turtles have been set loose in the Orinoco River in a 10-year plan to preserve the species, which is threatened by hunting.

The turtles were taken from the wild and raised in a safe refuge to protect them from predators like birds and crocodiles while they are young.

It's hoped the turtles will return to breed when they are older.

Poor residents of the area traditionally hunt the turtles, but officials say education is helping cut this down.