Pune: In a significant conservation effort, 419 turtles rescued from illegal trade, smuggling, and other offenses have been saved thanks to timely intervention and medical care.
The turtles, seized during operations in districts such as Thane, Nashik, and Solapur, are now being treated at Pune’s Wildlife Treatment Center.
The initiative, known as “Project Turtle Rehabilitation,” is a collaboration between the Forest Department and the ResQ Charitable Trust.
Within a month of its inception, the project has reported notable health improvements in the turtles. The plan is to release them back into their natural habitats in the coming months.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Vivek Khandekar, explained, “The Forest Department has a responsibility to care for wildlife rescued from illegal activities and work towards their rehabilitation into their natural environments.
This project was launched to address the needs of over 400 turtles brought into our care following various operations. Given the scale of the rescue, it was critical to centralize their treatment, which is why they were brought to Pune.”
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Tushar Chavan, highlighted the methodical approach being taken: “Each turtle’s health is monitored in detail, from arrival to rehabilitation. Once they are deemed physically fit, we will release them into suitable natural habitats.”
Many of the turtles were found in poor health, having been confined for long periods or deprived of adequate nutrition. Some suffered from bone disorders, while others were critically ill due to infectious diseases.
Upon arrival at the treatment center, the turtles underwent a thorough health assessment, and their treatment was tailored to their specific conditions.
According to Neha Panchamia, head of ResQ Charitable Trust, “We categorized the turtles based on their illnesses and provided proper nutrition and medication.
Regular monitoring has shown that the majority of turtles responded positively to treatment, with significant improvements observed in the first phase itself.”
