Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Rescue team saves 199 turtles in 2022

Rescue team saves 199 turtles in 2022

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Eating turtles and certain other wild animals is illegal and raises opportunities for zoonotic disease outbreaks, officials said. WRRT

Rescue team saves 199 turtles in 2022

Wildlife Alliance Cambodia on December 27 announced that their Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team (WRRT) had rescued 199 turtles and tortoises in 2022.

“Almost all of them were released into suitable habitats or added to breeding programmes to help species recovery by Fisheries Administration officials within the WRRT,” it said, in a social media post.

This NGO called for all members of the public who see wildlife for sale – or being kept as pets – to contact the Wildlife Crime Hotline, or notify them via their social media channels.

“Thank you in advance for helping to protect Cambodia’s wildlife,” it added.

Alliance communications officer Claire Baker-Munton told The Post on January 1 that the turtles were rescued from many provinces, including Kandal, Phnom Penh, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk, and Kampong Thom.

“The turtles were rescued by the WRRT through confiscations from restaurants and vendors. Some animals were handed in by members of the public.

“WRRT is proud of these results. Each one of these turtles has been given a second chance to live in their natural habitat,” she said.

Munton said the team will continue to investigate and carry out rescue operations wherever it discovers wildlife in danger.

“The Kingdom’s only mobile environment education team, our ‘Kouprey Express’ will continue to raise awareness about climate change, the laws on protected areas and species, the importance of protecting wildlife and also the health risks of consuming wildlife,” she added.

The NGO gave three reasons not to consume turtles. First, it is illegal under Fisheries Administration law. Second, globally, turtle numbers are low, and Cambodia has important populations that need to be protected to ensure their survival. Third, turtles can pose risks to people’s health.

During last October’s zero snaring campaign, 32 restaurants in Mondulkiri joined forces and committed to ending the trade in bush meat. Each of them also displayed posters which spread awareness about the pandemic risks of consuming wild meat.

“Restaurants and food outlets nationwide must take bush meat off their menus and say no to its trade. They must participate in conserving wildlife, preventing zoonotic spillover from happening in the future and putting nature on the path to recovery for sustainable development. Together, we will protect ourselves, our families, our communities and our future,” said the Ministry of Environment.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not