Updates On 17th Jul 2013

Our animal care update for this week features our Giant Asian pond turtles (Heosemys grandis). Giant Asian pond turtles are a semi-aquatic species of turtles found in South-East Asia. Unfortunately, they are considered extinct in Singapore and therefore housed at our rescue centre. Boltz, who is our biggest Giant Asian pond turtle, was found along Yishun dam where he was run over by a lorry. He endured months of pain and treatment and has since successfully recovered.

Here he is frantically trying to figure out a dietary enrichment consisting of sweet-potatoes, Banana and lychee’s. Native fruits and vegetables like Papaya and Kang-kong are favorites of these turtles. Everything from the banana leaves to the strands of dried banana leaves to tie the enrichment is kept natural to make it as safe as possible for the turtle. Providing dietary enrichments like these hope to provide the turtles with new challenges before they have access to food. This ensures that their instincts to actively seek and locate food are maintained.

Source: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151555313041523&set=a.223077136522.136042.22159071522&type=1&relevant_count=1

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ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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