Key Takeaways:
- Seven red-eared slider turtles were stolen from the Cornwall Park aviary in Hastings
- The turtles are around 20 years old and can live for up to 50 years in captivity
- They require specialized care, including a cool area with water and a diet of high-quality pellets and fresh vegetables
- Releasing the turtles into the wild can cause harm to local ecosystems and they are unlikely to survive
- The public is urged to report any information about the stolen turtles to the authorities
Introduction to the Incident
A disturbing incident occurred at the Cornwall Park aviary in Hastings, where seven red-eared slider turtles were stolen from their enclosure. The theft was discovered when a large square hole, approximately one meter by one meter, was found cut in the aviary’s wire fence. The police received a burglary report suggesting that the turtles were taken sometime between midnight Friday and 6am Saturday. The authorities believe that the turtles were stolen, rather than having escaped on their own, due to the large hole cut in the fence.
The Stolen Turtles
The stolen turtles are around 20 years old and can live for up to 50 years in captivity, growing to around 35 centimeters in shell length. They were a popular attraction at the aviary, and their theft has caused concern for their welfare and safe return. The turtles were cared for by trained staff at the aviary, who provided them with a specialized diet of high-quality pellets and fresh vegetables to support their health and wellbeing. Their enclosure was designed to mimic their natural habitat, with both land and water areas allowing them to exhibit natural behaviors such as swimming, basking, foraging, and egg-laying.
The Importance of Proper Care
The turtles require specialized care, including a cool area with water, to survive. If found, they should be placed in a secure, ventilated container lined with a damp towel and taken to the SPCA or the Hastings District Council. The authorities are concerned that the turtles may have been dumped due to their low monetary value and the specialized care required to keep them alive. The public is urged to report any information about the stolen turtles to the authorities, as their safe return is a priority. The turtles’ health and wellbeing are at risk if they are not properly cared for, and their release into the wild can cause harm to local ecosystems.
The Risks of Releasing the Turtles into the Wild
Releasing the turtles into the wild is not a viable option, as they are unlikely to survive and can cause harm to local ecosystems. They can prey on fish, aquatic plants, kōura, and insects, as well as small birds such as ducklings, displace nesting wetland birds, and degrade water quality. The authorities stress that the turtles should not be released into the wild, and instead, should be taken to a safe location where they can receive proper care. The public is urged to be aware of the risks associated with releasing non-native species into the wild and to report any sightings of the stolen turtles to the authorities.
Investigation and Aftermath
The police are investigating the theft of the turtles and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Cornwall Park aviary was reopened in 2023 after an upgrade, which included a new enclosure and a "beach" area for the turtles to lay eggs. The theft of the turtles has caused concern for the safety and security of the aviary, and the authorities are working to ensure that the remaining turtles are protected. The public is urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The safe return of the stolen turtles is a priority, and the authorities are working to ensure that they receive the care and attention they need to thrive.