Key Takeaways:
- Three of the seven stolen turtles from the Cornwall Park aviary have been recovered and returned to their home.
- The recovered turtles were found to be hungry but otherwise in good health.
- The council is still investigating the theft and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
- The public is reminded that turtles require proper care and attention, and can live for up to 50 years in captivity.
- Red-eared slider turtles can cause harm to local ecosystems if released into the wild.
Introduction to the Turtle Theft
The theft of seven turtles from the Cornwall Park aviary in Hastings, New Zealand, has been a significant concern for local authorities and animal lovers. The turtles, which are red-eared sliders, were stolen from their enclosure sometime between midnight on January 2 and 6am on January 3. The Hastings District Council, which owns the aviary, has been working to recover the stolen turtles and reunite them with their home. Fortunately, three of the turtles have been recovered and returned to the aviary, thanks to the efforts of the public and local authorities.
Recovery of the Stolen Turtles
According to SPCA’s Hacking, the first turtle was recovered after a member of the public found it on the side of the road and contacted the SPCA. The turtle was taken to the Hastings depot, where it was provided with food and water. The turtle’s shell was found to be very dry, indicating that it had been out of water for some time. However, it was otherwise in good health and seemed to be social, responding to voices and making short work of the food provided. The Cornwall Park aviary keeper visited the next day and confirmed that the turtle was one of the stolen ones, and it was returned to the aviary.
Return of the Turtles to the Aviary
A second turtle was dropped off at a Napier pet shop by a member of the public, who also contacted the Hastings District Council. The council confirmed that the turtle was one of the missing ones and returned it to the aviary. The third turtle was returned by a Hawke’s Bay resident, and it was also found to be hungry but otherwise in good health. The council is still investigating a sighting of a turtle at Anderson Park in Napier, and is urging anyone with information to come forward. The recovered turtles have settled in well at the aviary, and the council is grateful for the public’s help in recovering them.
Importance of Proper Care for Turtles
Hacking emphasized the importance of proper care and attention for turtles, which can live for up to 50 years in captivity. "Just like any other pet, they need food and shelter," she said. "Turtles can live for a long time, and take just as much care as any other animal." Red-eared slider turtles can grow to around 35cm in shell length, and require a suitable environment to thrive. The council is reminding the public that turtles should not be released into the wild, as they can cause harm to local ecosystems. They can prey on fish, aquatic plants, and insects, as well as small birds such as ducklings, and displace nesting wetland birds.
Investigation and Prevention of Future Thefts
The police are still investigating the theft of the turtles, and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The council is also taking steps to prevent future thefts, including reviewing the security of the aviary and ensuring that the public is aware of the importance of protecting wildlife. The public is reminded that turtles are not suitable pets for everyone, and that they require specialized care and attention. The council is grateful for the public’s help in recovering the stolen turtles, and is committed to providing a safe and suitable home for the remaining turtles at the aviary.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, the recovery of the three stolen turtles is a positive outcome, and the council is grateful for the public’s help in reuniting them with their home. However, four turtles are still missing, and the council is urging anyone with information to come forward. The public is reminded of the importance of proper care and attention for turtles, and the potential harm that they can cause to local ecosystems if released into the wild. The council will continue to work to recover the remaining turtles and prevent future thefts, and is committed to providing a safe and suitable home for all the animals at the aviary.
