In addition to these AZA organizations, the TSA’s efforts are being supported by global conservation partners Aktionsgemeinschaft Artenschutz (AGA) e. Participating organizations accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) include Abilene Zoo, Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Dallas Zoo, Dickerson Park Zoo, Georgia Aquarium, Fort Worth Zoo, New England Aquarium, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, San Diego Zoo Global, Shedd Aquarium, Tennessee Aquarium, Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center, Tulsa Zoo, Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Zoo Knoxville, , Zoo Atlanta. “We were already caring for 8,000 tortoises in Madagascar, now that number has more than doubled overnight.” “I don’t think the word overwhelming comes close to describing what the Turtle Survival Alliance is dealing with here,” said Rick Hudson, President of the Turtle Survival Alliance. While there, each tortoise will receive initial in-processing, health evaluations, hydration and triage. It is estimated that Radiated Tortoise populations in the wild have declined more than 80 percent in the last 30 years. At this rate of decline, it is estimated that the Radiated Tortoise could be functionally extinct in the wild in less than two decades.Ĭurrently, triage efforts are being led by a five-member team from the Turtle Survival Alliance’s (TSA) Madagascar staff, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and Villages des Tortues, who have been working non-stop after relocating the surviving tortoises 18 miles north at SOPTOM-Villages des Tortues, a 17-acre private wildlife facility in Ifaty. It is believed that the tortoises were collected for the illegal pet trade, possibly for shipment to Asia where the tortoises’ highly-domed shell featuring a brilliant star pattern makes them highly prized. It is not known how long the tortoises have been in the home, some arrests have been made, the local police in partnership with Directeur Regional de l’Environment, de ‘Ecologie et des Forets (DREEF), the conservation law enforcement authorities in Madagascar, continue their investigation. Experts from the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and several zoos and aquariums have been dispatched with medical supplies, and will administer medical care for the sick or injured tortoises and general animal care. As of Friday, April 13, hundreds had died from dehydration and illness.
The floors of virtually every room in the house were covered with tortoises that had no access to food or water. N Tuesday, April 10, more than 10,000 critically endangered radiated tortoises ( Astrochelys radiata) were discovered by local police in a non-descript private residence in Toliara, Madagascar. Special Events – Covid-19 Safety MeasuresĪnimal Experts from AZA-Accredited Zoos and Aquariums Dispatched to Madagascar to Conduct the Rescue.Research & Conservation Newsletters Research & Conservation Newsletters Research & Conservation Research & Conservation Programs for Military & Veterans Programs for Military & Veterans Beginner Environmental Leadership Program.Sponsored Education Admissions (SEA Program).
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