The rapidly drying water hole was the site of a rescue mission in April after University of New England scientists raised the alarm that an “incomprehensible” environmental catastrophe was unfolding.

WaterNSW had stopped environmental flows to the area, after a complaint from a private landholder, leading to the deaths of turtles, birds, frogs and sheep.

Environmental flows refer to water released by the government from dams and tributaries into rivers and ecosystems to maintain or restore their health.

The situation sparked outcry after scientist Deb Bower spoke publicly to Guardian Australia, with footage taken by the NSW Greens water spokesperson, Cate Faehrmann, showing the researchers digging through mud to find surviving turtles.

Thirty-nine turtles were taken into care at Taronga zoo in Dubbo. In May, the government expedited legislation to clearly protect WaterNSW from liability claims when delivering environmental flows, and the water was turned back on.

Six months on, the Gingham water hole is full once more and the first group of 13 surviving turtles have been returned to their habitat.

The article includes a short video of the rescue.