Terrapins up for adoption in Malaysia

Sean Augustin, The New Straits Times 13 Sep 09;

KUALA TERENGGANU: Wanted: "parents" for 99 river terrapins.

The Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) is offering three-year-old terrapins raised in captivity for adoption as part of its inaugural "Terrapin Independence Day" celebration on Nov 9. TCC hopes to raise funds for the RM2.5 million complex in Setiu.

The objective of the 3.2ha complex is the conservation of the species as well as providing a site for research and outreach programmes.

TCC also aims to restore the depleted wild population of fresh water, terrestrial and marine turtles in the country, especially in northern Terengganu.


The complex will have an open-air hatchery, ponds and tanks for freshwater turtles, breeding ponds and outdoor exhibits.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is poised to become its patron.

For RM99, you can adopt a terrapin that has been micro-chipped so researchers can monitor their growth and movement.

The "parents" will be given the chip number and will receive regular updates on "their" terrapin.

The adoption programme will go on until all 99 terrapins have been adopted.

"One way to give these terrapins a better chance for survival is by setting up the centre. I hope the public can help us realise this dream," said TCC co-founder Prof Chan Eng Heng.

Those interested can contact Prof Chan at chan@turtleconservationcentre.org