Rare turtles sent to Hong Kong
A consignment of captive-bred golden coin turtles has landed in the city as part of an ambitious plan to reintroduce the critically endangered reptiles to their natural habitat, writes Kylie Knott
Weighing just 150 grams each, the tiny “passengers” made little impression on the scales as they nestled into their specially built crate emblazoned with the words “This Side Up”, and “Live Reptile”. A sticker reading “Fragile – Handle With Care”, should perhaps have been added. For inside were five 18-month-old endangered golden coin turtles. Packed and prepped, the turtles were set for the 30-hour flight from Los Angeles to their new home, Hong Kong.
But these little critters were also on another course that would land them in the history books. “It’s very exciting. It’s the first time captive-hatched turtles or tortoises have been repatriated from the US to their native home,” says Eric Goode, president of the Turtle Conservancy.
The New York-based non-profit organisation collabourated with the Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden (KFBG) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to bring the creatures home to Hong Kong.
“It’s a crucial development, a major step, particularly in China where the species is, sadly, very close to becoming extinct in the wild,” says Goode. Indeed, the turtles’ small claim to fame is a big deal for conservationists, and evidence of a growing global effort to protect the critically endangered species.
For team members close to the project, it was a thrilling time as they tracked the transatlantic flight from LA, following it along the west coast of North America to the Bering Sea and then along the east coast of Russia, to briefly touch down in Seoul before landing at Chek Lap Kok.