Timeline Photos

MEET JOEY, CHINESE SOFTSHELL TURTLE

Here�s a close up photo of Joey, one of the resident Chinese softshell turtles at the AWRC, pictured relaxing in the midday sun and enjoying the sunshine. Joey is very curious and will investigate any new object within his environment. He is also quite territorial. Joey usually doesn�t like to be disturbed when he�s basking in the sun, but in this instance he somehow tolerated us and posed for us when we took this photo!

Chinese softshell turtles are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. They are traded and killed for their meat in many countries, mostly for turtle soup. As a result, these turtles have been introduced to many places. However, they are becoming rare in their native habitats due to indiscriminate hunting. Turtles like Joey may also find themselves victims of mercy release: a religious practice involving people releasing animals indiscriminately into environments to which they may not be adapted, and in countries to which they are not native. In Singapore, these turtles are illegally released into our waterways. Many times, these freshwater turtles are released into seawater, which can be fatal for them. The salt water cause sores and blisters on the turtle�s body and often, the turtle won�t survive the ordeal and will die a slow and painful death.

#ACRES #WildlifeRescue

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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