Pune-based RESQ Charitable Trust successfully rehabilitates 68 tortoises back into the wild
Pune, 20th February 2023: A total of 88 tortoises were rescued and recovered from illegal trade and trafficking by the Maharashtra Forest Department from various parts of the state, including Pune, Solapur, Kolhapur, Nashik, Alibag, and Mumbai.
These tortoises were sent to RESQ Wildlife TTC in Pune for rehabilitation, where all batches were first quarantined and screened for diseases. After this, they were treated for their infections, wounds and deformities caused by their previous captive conditions.
The rehabilitation process involved several stages during which they needed to be transitioned from captive to wild diets, post which they need to be prepared to withstand varying weather conditions and scarcity of resources and all of this while desensitising them to humans.
Out of the 88 tortoises, 68 have been successfully reintroduced back into the wild, thanks to the dedicated efforts of RESQ Charitable Trust and the Maharashtra Forest Department.
Founder Neha Panchamiya expressed her joy, saying, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see these animals get released back into their natural habitats. We’re thrilled to have been able to help with their rehabilitation and return them to where they belong.”
While some of these animals did not make it as they come in such poor health and physical condition, over 75% of them have done well and got released. These tortoises began foraging (eating) immediately upon release in the area and local officers have also reported successful breeding of the previous batches of tortoises that were released, indicating successful rehabilitation efforts.
However, Neha Panchamiya says that there is still much work to be done. “Rescuing or recovering these animals is only one part of the process. It is a long and arduous process to ensure proper rehabilitation and prepare them for their reintroduction into their natural habitats.”
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