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MEET HAWKEYE – THE LATEST RESCUED TORTOISE GIVEN A SAFE HOME AT THE AWRC

Last month, the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Team was alerted to a tortoise spotted in the Thomson area. The familiar silhouette of a tortoise greeted us when we arrived, but we weren�t sure what species he was. The markings and colouration on the face resembled those of a Hawksbill turtle, and so he was named �Hawkeye�.

Hawkeye was eventually identified as a Sulawesi tortoise or Forsten’s tortoise. This species is endangered, and Hawkeye is now the most endangered rescued animal in ACRES. Hawkeye is healthy and is alert and active.

We don�t know if Hawkeye was abandoned or if he escaped, but what we do know is that he is here as a result of the illegal wildlife trade.

Forsten�s tortoises are native to the islands of Sulawesi, where populations are decreasing due to habitat loss, and capture for the meat trade and the illegal exotic pet trade. This species of tortoise is crepuscular, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk. For now, Hawkeye is in quarantine, and once his quarantine period is over we will need to make space for him outdoors. As with all of the animals in our care, we will research the possibility of repatriating him to his country of origin.

If you or anyone you know is interested in keeping a wild animal as a pet, please think again. Remember that the wildlife trade is wiping out animals. And even if individuals are captive-bred, the fact remains that wild animals need specialised care and are best left wild.

#ACRESWildlifeRescue #WildAnimalsAreNotPets

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..

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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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