Ocean Park Hong Kong has opened its new conservation and breeding centre for freshwater turtles to address a critical gap in Hong Kong's wildlife protection.
With support from manufacturing company Regina Miracle, the park's new centre is a secure sanctuary to house confiscated freshwater turtles, which are threatened by illegal poaching and habitat loss.
The facility will also expand genetic diversity through expert breeding and carry out ecological research, with a goal to reintroduce healthy populations back into their native habitats.
Ocean Park Hong Kong's new centre is a secure sanctuary to house confiscated freshwater turtles
Iwan Wong, chief executive of Ocean Park Corporation, said its ongoing partnership with Regina Miracle "has been instrumental in advancing our conservation and education efforts in safeguarding Hong Kong’s biodiversity".
"The latest collaboration allows us to scale up breeding programmes for local freshwater turtles at a dedicated facility, while establishing a platform for the public education," he added.
Antony Yiu, chief financial officer and executive director of Regina Miracle, said the company's support for the centre "reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring the preservation of local ecosystems and nurturing a sustainable, biodiverse future".
Per a press release, freshwater turtles contribute to the ecological balance of Hong Kong's stream ecosystems, maintaining water quality and vegetation health.
Freshwater turtles in the South China region are threatened by illegal poaching and habitat loss
However, native species such as the endangered Beale’s eyed turtle and the critically endangered big-headed turtle are on the brink of extinction in the South China region due to poaching, habitat destruction and competition from invasive species.
Since 2020, Ocean Park has hatched 17 juvenile Beale's eyed turtles as part of an intensive breeding programme, with plans to start a new breeding programme for big-headed turtles soon.
With the new centre, Ocean park will also be able to expand its educational outreach, with members of the public able to pay for tours of the facility.
Images courtesy of Ocean Park Hong Kong
