The warning comes as several Murray River turtles were found in the Ellery Creek Big Holes in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park which is 160km west of Alice Springs.

If you are in charge of any animal, whether wild, farmed, or a family pet, under NT law you must not release it into the wild.

The Murray River turtle is not native to the NT, and releasing the animals into the waterhole could impact the local native wildlife significantly.

"It is important that we keep potentially invasive exotic species out of these waterholes, as they can have a devastating impact on native wildlife," a NT Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman said.

"It is an offence under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation By-laws to introduce an animal into a Park or Reserve.

"If you do have an unwanted pet, contact your local council or animal shelter for advice on what to do.

"If you encounter injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife, contact your local wildlife rescue organisation or wildlife operations team for advice."

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