Protected Turtles Rescued from Chinese Shipment Struggle to Survive at Terra Natura Benidorm

More than two dozen protected turtles were found travelling among socks and stuffed animals in an illegal shipment from China. Some even died due to the stress of the journey, poor handling, and the journey's duration. The package, intercepted by the Seprona of the Civil Guard in Gandía, allowed the rescue of 20 black-bellied leaf turtles, one of the smallest species in the world.

Due to their deplorable condition, these animals had to be transferred to Terra Natura Benidorm, where they are racing against time to ensure their survival. This is explained by the nature park, where they are monitoring these reptiles to help them recover.

Immediately after their transport by Seprona, Terra Natura Benidorm activated a special protocol involving veterinarians and herpetologists, initiating intensive rehydration and critical care to stabilise these small animals, which showed "physical deterioration" due to transport conditions.

The park's technical team has also begun conducting health tests and coprological analyses to detect parasites and diseases. The turtles are in isolation under surveillance. In fact, one of the main challenges the team faces is feeding, as this omnivorous species has highly specialised diets in their natural Asian habitat.

Terra Natura Benidorm states that "we are working against the clock to identify acceptable captive foods that ensure their survival and prevent starvation." The park's herpetologist, David Martí, highlights the "worrying" nature of this illegal wildlife trafficking case, which poses "challenges for the conservation of already vulnerable species."

These turtles, originating from Southeast Asia and not exceeding 15 cm in adulthood, require very specific conditions for survival. Due to their inclusion in Appendix II of CITES, their international trade is strictly regulated, making importation without permits a serious offence with criminal consequences.

The package intercepted by Seprona lacked mandatory documentation. The authorities have already investigated a 53-year-old Spanish man for a suspected crime of trafficking protected species. Additionally, the investigation of other individuals for the same offences is not ruled out.