“ Each and every animal on earth has a much right to be here as you and me.”( Anthony Douglas Williams).
“ If you have to choose between being kind and right, always choose to be kind. And you will always be right.”( Dr Wayne W Deyer)
Focussing specifically on tortoises in this issue, I have encountered many of these gentle souls left in dire situations over the years in my career looking and caring after our reptile friends.
Tortoises tied up with short chains in order to prevent them from wandering or escaping. Tortoises which had their entire shell painted. Tortoises left on barren land or on concrete and who have never experienced the feeling of grass under their feet( some even taken illegally from their natural environment to face a life in captivity). Tortoises with gaping holes at the areas they were stoned at. Tortoises hacked and flesh being exposed as they are due to become a human meal. Tortoises left with no food or water. So severe that by the time they arrive at the Park, they literally fall in to the water bowl to quench their extreme thirst. They are completely dehydrated and hungry right down to the core of their existence.
Seeing these animals and the spark no longer visible in their eyes, one has to wonder about the way humans view animals. Forgetting that animals have as much right to be here … like you and me.
Some cultures believe that keeping tortoises will keep evil spirits away. Some even view them as a symbol of good luck, symbolizing a long life, filled with wisdom and peace. Many tortoises and their eggs are still eaten by man in some areas
It is against the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974 to keep a wild animal in captivity without having the necessary captivity permit on hand. Every so often we receive such animals confiscated from people keeping them illegally and under dire conditions. These animals are rehabilitated and set free in a Reserve so they can enjoy a long life in their natural environment.
“ If everyone is moving forward together, the success takes care of itself.”( Henry Ford)
“ You won’ t change the world by saving an animal. But you will change that animal’ s world.”( Unknown).
Please report any tortoises kept as illegal pets to your closest Conservation office. Each small step taken will be a step in the right direction. And it will immensely change the world for that animal.