Negligence at Kowloon Park: Turtle in distress, fish stranded as water drained

Kowloon Park’s management has been put under the spotlight after dozens of turtles and fish were in distress and left stranded in the mud as a large water feature was drained for cleaning.

The incident came to light after a leading animal rescue group shared the news online, slamming workers of the park for neglecting the well-being of animals living in the pond before carrying out the cleaning operation.

The animal rescue organization, "The Turtle's Inn", detailed the distressing scene on its Facebook page, recounting how multiple fish were seen struggling in the mud, with some already dead or dying, and turtles desperately seeking water in the nearly dried-up pool.

Pong, founder of the group, also captured footage of workers harshly handling turtles, throwing them to the ground and even kicking them.

Upon witnessing the situation, Pong immediately contacted SPCA officers and on-site staff to rescue the fish and turtles. Subsequently, the police were informed and assisted in locating the workers, who were then tasked with relocating the distressed animals to a nearby larger pond. Police have classified the case as a "miscellaneous incident" for further investigation.

Responding to media inquiry, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department acknowledged that three fish had died during the cleaning operation, citing certain contracted cleaning staff had failed to adhere to animal handling guidelines.

The department reiterated the importance of treating animals in the park with care, adding that a warning would be issued to the contractor. The department will also follow up on the case.

It noted that staff will typically relocate fish and turtles to alternative ponds during cleaning processes and return them upon completion. The department assured increased supervision during future cleaning operations to prevent similar occurrences.

+2