Pig Nosed Turtle Rescue

I'm happy to report on a Hong Kong pig-nosed turtle seizure with a happy ending. These baby turtles were headed to the illegal pet trade in Hong Kong but have since been rescued and nursed to health and they are now returning home. Not all of them survived though. Turtles don't handle stress very well at a young age. Still, I'm thankful to see people diligently trying to stop the illegal turtle trade.

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Silly Stink Pot Smuggler

I've just learned of a very interesting type of African turtle - the stink pot turtle.  I know you are probably thinking that is a mean name, but what would you name a turtle that emits a foul smell when stressed?  Now, although this characteristic could be helpful for teaching amateur turtle owners when their pet needs attention, I still can't believe someone was dumb enough to attempt to smuggle them.  Did they really think their luggage wouldn't stink up the plane and draw attention?  At least the story has a happy ending... the turtles are happily swimming at an aquarium in Hampshire and the smell, like Elvis, has left the building.

Ornamental Box Turtles Seized

Photo by 365 Things in 365 Days

Customs officials in India seized 400 live ornamental box turtles from a man who tried to smuggle them in from Singapore on Sunday.  I (obviously) think keeping turtles as pets is fun, but I am not ok with people smuggling them to new locations just to give someone the opportunity to have a pet turtle.  Despite the stoic, "you can't hurt me" image turtles seem to have, they can be quite fragile.  If not provided with the proper care (food, water, temperature and germ control), they will most certainly not live their full life span.  I cannot imagine that being packed in a suitcase, thrown around by baggage handlers, and stuffed in the bottom of an airplane is good for their health.  Also, I am not certain I believe those box turtles were truly intended to be pets.  To take a risk like that, one must be looking to make top dollar... and I believe that selling them for food still pays more.  (Don't worry, I covered Pokey's eyes and ears so she wouldn't have to know that fact.  She might sink into major depression if she knew how popular turtle soup has become.)