New exhibit a naturalistic sanctuary for the tortoises to
display natural behaviour and breed;
Zoo
celebrates World Turtle Day with special Keeper Talks for guests
 |
|
Great
care was taken in designing Singapore Zoo’s Tortoise Shell-ter, now home to
some of the world’s most threatened tortoises such as the critically endangered
Ploughshare Tortoise (pictured above).Only 200 mature specimens are left in the
wild, and survive in a 12 square km patch in Madagascar. Their decline in
recent years is a result of poaching for the illegal pet trade. The species is
at extreme risk of extinction in the wild within 10-15 years. PHOTO CREDITS:
WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
|
 |
| Singapore Zoo has been successful in the conservation breeding and maintenance of an assurance colony of Southern River Terrapins (pictured above). More than 50 terrapins have been bred since 2007. Assurance colonies refer to the safeguarding of an endangered species under human care, in case the wild population is wiped out. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE |
Singapore,
June 2016 – Boosting Singapore Zoo’s efforts to save
the world’s most threatened vertebrates from extinction is its newest
exhibit—Tortoise Shell-ter. Guests at the park can now look forward to learning
more about some of the world’s rarest tortoises and ongoing efforts to increase
their dwindling numbers.
Tortoise
Shell-ter showcases three critically endangered tortoise species—the Ploughshare
Tortoise, Radiated Tortoise and Burmese Star Tortoise—making it one of
Singapore Zoo’s exhibits with greater conservation and educational values. Other
threatened species at the new attraction include the Elongated Tortoise and the
Yellow-footed Tortoise. The naturalistic exhibits feature rock walls, habitat
specific planting, and climate-controlled micro-habitats, including special
lighting, heating with temperature gradient and humidity control, to create the
ideal home away from home for these delicate species to thrive.
Some
of these tortoises share their homes with other compatible reptiles, such as
the Rock Monitor, Black and White Tegu, Green Iguana and Veiled Chameleon. This
provides inter-species interaction, which is a great form of enrichment for the
inhabitants, as well as providing a more interesting viewing experience to the
guests.
 |
| PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE |
In
addition to featuring threatened species, Tortoise Shell-ter is also a
sanctuary for some former-victims of the illegal wildlife trade, which have
been confiscated and sent to Singapore Zoo, such as the Indian Star Tortoise.
In
the wild, these land-dwelling reptiles’ shells (called carapaces) shield them
against predators but they are no match for the combination of habitat loss and
human exploitation, including unsustainable consumption and poaching for the
illegal pet trade.
Aside
from showcasing these chelonians at the Tortoise Shell-ter, Singapore Zoo also
contributes to safeguarding the future of other threatened species of turtles
through conservation breeding and the maintenance of assurance colonies. The
latter refers to the safekeeping of endangered species populations under human
care in case something happens to the already diminished numbers in the wild. Singapore
Zoo has a good track record of breeding threatened chelonian species, both
terrestrial (tortoises) and aquatic (turtles and terrapins) and has recently
had the first hatching for the critically endangered Painted Terrapin. Other
threatened species bred at the Zoo include the endangered Elongated Tortoise
and Burmese Mountain Tortoise and the critically endangered Southern River Terrapin.
 |
| PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE |
The
park’s breeding programmes offer the possibility of reintroducing the animals
to the wild whenever their safety can be ensured in their natural habitat. In
addition, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) actively supports on-site and
off-site breeding and reintroduction programmes in a few Southeast Asian countries.
It also collaborates with trade monitoring organisations to raise awareness on
illegal wildlife trade of tortoises.
Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Life Sciences Officer, WRS, said: “Within the span of just one human generation, many turtle and tortoise species have been decimated to near extinction through our activities. We are working in the zoo as well as in their native habitats to prevent these ancient creatures from disappearing from earth altogether. Through the Tortoise Shell-ter we would like to highlight their plights to our guests and to engage them to join us in our effort to save the species.”
World Turtle Day, observed every 23 May, aims to
celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises, and their disappearing habitats
around the world. Singapore Zoo commemorated World Turtle Day this year, by
hosting three special Keeper Talks for guests where they were able to find out
more about these rare tortoises and their plight in the wild.
About Singapore Zoo
Set in a rainforest
environment, Singapore Zoo's world-famous "Open Concept” offers the
opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to
more than 2,800 specimens over 300 species, 26% of which are threatened, the
Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation
initiatives and breeding programmes. To better meet the healthcare needs of its
animals and working towards its aspiration to become a leading global centre of
excellence for veterinary healthcare and research, a purpose-built Wildlife
Healthcare and Research Centre was set up in March 2006. Annually, over 1.7
million visitors enjoy experiential learning journeys at the 26-hectare
award-winning Zoo. Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. The
Zoo is a designated rescued wildlife centre by the governing authority.
Singapore Zoo is
located at 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826. More information can be found
at www.zoo.com.sg
ABOUT WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is the holding company of
award-winning attractions Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and
Singapore Zoo. WRS is dedicated to the management of world-class leisure
attractions that foster conservation and research while educating visitors
about animals and their habitats.
A self-funded organisation, WRS also collaborates with various partners,
organisations and institutions aimed at protecting local and global
biodiversity. Each year, Jurong Bird Park welcomes approximately 800,000
visitors, Night Safari 1.1 million, River Safari 1 million, and Singapore Zoo
1.7 million. The
organisation’s latest attraction is River Safari, which officially opened on 28
February 2014.
The WAHM, Dulce Javier- Ansis