A batch of big-headed turtles was confiscated by mainland customs in October 2024, with 14 of them now under Ocean Park’s care under a joint operation with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
The big-headed turtle is a precious local species listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Ocean Park said most of the big-headed turtles received were exhibiting various health issues such as broken tails or phalanges and have been settled in the park’s back-of-house facilities, where they will undergo a quarantine period of not less than 30 days while receiving treatment.
Howard Chuk, the park’s Head of Zoological Operations and Conservation, said they will discuss the next steps with the AFCD to explore the feasibility of big-headed turtle breeding and release programs.
“Big-headed turtles are of immense conservation value, and we must ensure that they are not captured again for illegal trade or other purposes,” said Chuk.
According to Ocean Park, it has collaborated closely with the AFCD for many years to care for rescued or confiscated wildlife, as well as other illegally imported and abandoned animals.
Since 2000, the park and the AFCD have successfully rescued over 80 sea turtles, returning them to the ocean after receiving care at the park. Between 2023 and 2024, the park received and rehabilitated nine big-headed turtles and golden coin turtles that were seized during smuggling operations.
