Confiscated Astrochelys Radiata Finally Arrive At Itampolo TSA Facility
After months of hard work following the massive tortoise confiscation in Madagascar, the thousands of rehabilitated Astrochelys Radiata have finally taken up residence at a long-term care TSA facility in Itampolo. This is a massive milestone for all the TSA staff and volunteers as the transfer project has been a two month long endeavor, and nearly 9,000 tortoises are now finishing their rehabilitation at this facility. Not only did staff have to move the animals to this new location, but numerous medical supplies and equipment also had to be carefully transported to Itampolo. Although sadly almost 1,500 tortoises did not make it to be able to live at the new facility, the remaining group is doing well and the ultimate goal is to reintroduce these survivors back into their native habitat in a safe location where they will no longer be threatened by poachers; however, a lengthy quarantine and medical treatment protocol is first priority at this time, and the animals must complete this phase before being considered for re-release. Team Radiata 6 and Team Radiata 7, consisting mainly of multiple zoos, have been laboring tirelessly to prepare the Itampolo location for the radiata and their dedication is what will give these tortoises the greatest chance of survival in this next stage of their lives, and without a doubt, this has been the experience of a lifetime for all of the staff and volunteers who have and continue to put in countless hours to ensure the survival of the critically endangered Astrochelys radiata.
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Photo from Jordan Gray.
