Gearing Up for a Busy Spring!
Defying the snowy weather, the TSA Board of Directors held their annual meeting in New York City, February 25. The meeting was very productive and left everyone feeling energized and ready for a great 2010! Special thanks are in order for our generous hosts, Eric Goode and Maurice Rodrigues at The Maritime Hotel.
While planning for the year, it became clear that there was a lot to be excited about on the horizon! We have a team on the ground in Madagascar right now and are gearing up for the next breeding attempt in China for the Yangtze giant softshell turtle. In addition, our conference in Orlando this August looks like it will be one of our best yet! We've changing our meeting days this year and will be there Monday through Thursday, August 16-19. This change was made to accomodate guests who want to attend the National Reptile Breeders Expo in nearby Daytona, which begins on August 20. The conference Call for Papers, Travel Grant applications and registration will be available on the TSA website on April 2 - we hope you can join us!
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One of the biggest undertakings the TSA is facing in the near future is one that we couldn't plan for - a major confiscation of smuggled turtles and tortoises in Hong Kong. Our friends at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) in Hong Kong contacted us in February seeking our assistance. The government had seized approximately 1,300 turtles, including some endangered species, and did not have the resources to house or care for the animals. KFGB was told that if they could not help to mobilize resources immediately, the animals would be put down. Read more about the details of the confiscation by
clicking here.
Since KFBG also has limited resources and space (not that any facility is prepared for an influx of 1,300 animals at one time!), they agreed to help, but reached out to their partners around the world for assistance. While conducting this outreach, staff at KFBG was also beginning triage (pictured, below) and care for these animals, most of which were compromised by inhumane shipping conditions (pictured, above). Within weeks, the TSA will begin receiving many of these animals and placing them within the United States and Europe. While this will be a daunting task, it is one that we could not ignore.
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donation link has been created on the TSA website for those of you who would like to support the shipment, medical care and placement of these turtles. Given not only the sheer number, but also the size of some of these turtles, shipment costs are anticipated to be high and any support that you could provide would be appreciated. The TSA prides itself on its ability to respond quickly to wildlife crises and we can only do so with your support.
More details on the animals that will be received by the TSA and placement will be available in coming weeks as final plans come together. Keep an eye on the newsletter and the TSA website for more information as it becomes available.
