Sea Life Seeks Turtle Treasure
Staff at Birmingham’s National Sea Life Centre are calling on the public to hand over their precious pets to help save endangered turtles from extinction.
A ‘turtle amnesty’ has been declared by the centre’s Turtle Sanctuary which aims to breed these creatures for future reintroduction programmes.
Unfortunately not even the Sea Life Centre can re-house every turtle and terrapin in need of a new home, however, and the amnesty is restricted to the species in most need of help.
These include any of the Asian Box Turtles, Chinese Stripe-Necked and Reeves Turtles.
According to curator Graham Burrows there could be many people out there who are unknowingly keeping one of these critically endangered animals as pets.
“Turtles were being imported for pets in their thousands into the UK as recently as the 1960’s which is one of many reasons why they’re now one of the most threatened creatures on the planet,” said Graham.
“We’re very committed to our breeding programme and have already bred two baby turtles, but more adults of the right species will help us accelerate that programme.”
“People can be assured that if we do take their turtle, he’ll think he’s come to paradise!”
People who think they might have a suitable turtle to give or loan to the centre should contact The Sea Life Centre.
And if you’d like to help but don’t own a turtle, you could always adopt one! Again, the Centre will provide the details.
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