Massive Radiated Tortoise Seizure

For Immediate Release

October 27, 2018

Charleston, South Carolina ‚Äì It's happened again. Only 6 months after more than 10,000 Radiated Tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) were seized in southwest Madagascar, we are heartbroken to announce the government of Madagascar has seized another mind-boggling 7,347 of the critically endangered animals from wildlife traffickers. Packed like sardines, the suffering animals were being held in a remote village only 70 km (43 mi) from the scene of the last crime...destined for the illicit international black-market trade.

For the last 72-hours the Turtle Survival Alliance has been fully engaged with the Directeur Regional de l'Environment, de 'Ecologie et des Forets (DREEF Atsimo-Andrefana), providing logistical support and mobilizing TSA-Madagascar staff to come to their aid. As we speak, Dr. Ny Aina Tiana Rakotoarisoa, TSA-Madagascar's lead veterinarian, and keepers from our Tortoise Conservation Center are on the scene, evaluating the health of the tortoises, providing critical care, and beginning treatment for the sick. Already, 118 have died.

In collaboration with our French partner SOPTOM-CRCC and the DREEF, we are strategizing a call to action and recovery plan for these tortoises. Further assistance is gratefully being provided or sought by WWF Madagascar, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Programme d'Appui à la Gestion de l'Environnement (PAGE), and Madagascar National Parks.

Stay tuned as this developing story unfolds. We are once again engaged in a battle to save the lives of these animals and find more permanent solutions to stop the scourge of this species from Madagascar. THIS MUST STOP!

To DONATE TO THESE LIFE-SAVING EFFORTS and TSA's efforts on behalf of tortoises and freshwater turtles around the world CLICK HERE!

TSA (Turtle Survival Alliance)

Turtle Survival Alliance is a non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. Since its formation in 2001, TSA has become recognized as a global force for turtle conservation, capable of taking swift and decisive action on behalf of critically endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles. With its commitment to "zero turtle extinctions," TSA transforms passion for turtles into effective conservation action through: (1) restoring populations in the wild where possible; (2) securing endangered species in captivity through assurance colonies; and (3) building the capacity to restore, secure, and conserve species within their range countries. In addition to the Turtle Survival Center in South Carolina, TSA manages collaborative turtle conservation programs in 15 diversity hotspots around the world. For more information, visit: www.turtlesurvival.org; http://www.facebook.com/TurtleSurvival; www.instagram.com/turtlesurvival; @turtlesurvival on Twitter.

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For more information, please contact Jordan Gray, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, at (912) 659-0978 or by email at jgray@turtlesurvival.org.