From zoo to the sea endangered turtles freed

CEBU, Philippines - Regional environment officials yesterday released to the sea seven-month old turtles kept in a local zoo.

The four green sea turtles with endangered conservation status were transported from BG Rainforest Park in Mabolo, Cebu city to Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS) in Lapu-Lapu city.

The wildlife animals were formally handed by zoo owner Butch Guillen together with wife Annie, who was in tears, to Ariel Rica, Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management (BCWMS) Section chief.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officials present were Protected Area and Wildlife Division (PAWD) 7 Director Jose Layese, Regional Public Affairs Office chief Eddie Llamedo and his staff members.

Before the actual release past 1:30 yesterday afternoon, Rica noted the only female turtle to have suffered injuries in its flippers and neck.

“The injury was caused by the other male turtles that bit the smallest one,” he told reporters while taking from the plastic crate the green sea turtle measuring 22 centimeters (cm) in length (L) and 20 cm width (W).

The three other turtles were all measuring 25.4 cm L and 23 cm W, 22 cm L and 23 cm W, and 27.3 cm L and 25.8 cm W.

Rica said the four weighed approximately a kilo each.

Considered juvenile, no tagging was done prior to release as it only applies to adults.

The release was a result of a technical conference called by DENR to discuss lapses and corrective measures in zoo operations following a complaint filed by an individual and a group of animal conservationists.

Apart from the release of turtles, the zoo management was also ordered to furnish the agency copies of documents of legal animal acquisition among others on or before April 8.

“We gave them enough time. We will wait for them to produce those documents,” Layese said when asked what happens if the zoo fails to meet the deadline.

Guillen earlier announced that they will file administrative case against DENR, to which Rica said they will face.

“That’s their prerogative. We will just answer whatever accusations they will charge us in the proper forum. We’ve been consistent in our actions per our existing wildlife rules, laws and regulations. Matter of fact, we have all the documents and proof for that claim,” he said.

Apart from this, DENR is also monitoring state and private zoos in Cebu.  (FREEMAN)