Volunteers Rescue Over 50 Animals at Gilbert Lakes

Rescuers are relocating wildlife from Freestone Park's lakes as the city drains them for construction.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Wildlife

Photograph of a drained desert lake bed with cracked mud, a small wooden footbridge, and low shrubs under a warm late-afternoon sky. — Volunteers are relocating more than 50 animals, including at least eight turtles, from Freestone Park's lakes in Gilbert as the city drains them for construction. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Volunteers rescued upward of 50 animals, including at least eight turtles, from Freestone Park's lakes in Gilbert, Arizona, as the lakes are drained for construction. East Valley Wildlife is working with Crystal's Critter Haven on the removals.

Why it matters

The lake drainage is part of renovations at Freestone Park, and the rescue effort shows how wildlife relocation is being coordinated with the city and its contractor. Community concerns prompted Gilbert to expand its work with local wildlife rescuers.

Upward of 50 animals were rescued, including at least eight turtles. The total population in the lakes and the complete species breakdown have not been reported, and it is unclear how many animals remain.

The players

East Valley Wildlife

East Valley Wildlife is a wildlife rescue organization serving the East Valley region of the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Crystal's Critter Haven

Crystal's Critter Haven is a Valley-area animal rescue and rehabilitation group that works with local wildlife organizations.

The details

Gilbert developed a wildlife relocation plan with its contractor before construction began and later expanded coordination with local rescuers after community members raised concerns. Volunteers need a safety briefing and protective equipment before entering the south lake work zone, while the north lake is open only to construction staff.

Before construction began, Gilbert and its contractor developed the wildlife relocation plan.
Current effort: volunteers are rescuing animals as the lakes are drained.

Wildlife Relocation Practice

Gilbert's effort follows the common practice of relocating aquatic wildlife before draining urban water features for renovation. The addition of expanded rescuer coordination after community complaints reflects how cities adjust these relocation plans when residents raise concerns.

Gilbert residents who want to help with the rescues should coordinate with both the city and its construction contractor, and volunteers must complete a safety briefing before entering the south lake work zone. The north lake remains closed to the public because it is open only to construction staff.

The takeaway

Community feedback helped push Gilbert to strengthen its wildlife coordination during lake renovations. Future projects may benefit from involving local wildlife experts earlier in the planning stage.