More than 100 endangered reptiles from the Philippines that were smuggled into Hong Kong will be 'repatriated' to their home country today, officials say.
The animals - including pond turtles and water lizards that are unique to the Philippines - will enter a government rescue centre on their return, where they will be considered for future release into the wild.
On June 14, officers discovered 105 reptiles inside a large suitcase carried by a 22-year-old mainland man who claimed to be a student. He was intercepted at Hong Kong International Airport's arrival hall and was later sentenced to six weeks in prison.
The 39 pond turtles, 46 Southeast Asian box turtles, 19 Mindanao monitor lizards and a reticulated python were temporarily placed in the care of Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden in the New Territories.
Paul Crow, senior conservation officer of the farm, said yesterday: 'This repatriation highlights the importance of co-operation between governments and non-governmental organisations to combat wildlife crime.'
Previously, the smuggler had been prosecuted for illegally importing 60 reptiles from the Philippines in February and fined HK$4,000.
Dr Gary Ades, head of the Kadoorie farm's conservation department, said the animals were in poor health when they arrived last month, but were now fit for travel.