Albino freshwater terrapins found abandoned at West Coast Park shore
They could have died from the saltwater exposure, said ACRES.
On September 27, several albino terrapins were discovered abandoned on the shore of West Coast Park. The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) was alerted about the situation, and they swiftly arrived to rescue the creatures. The terrapins were red-eared sliders, a species commonly kept as pets in Singapore. The source of their release remains unknown.
In a video from ACRES, bystanders can be seen observing the terrapins spread out on the shore. ACRES responded to inquiries from Mothership, reporting that they had received a call via their Wildlife Rescue Hotline around 11 a.m. on the day of discovery. The spokesperson from ACRES revealed that the terrapins were generally healthy but exhibited old lesions, shell damage, healed ulcers, and a broken nail.
The organization is presently looking for adopters for the terrapins and extends gratitude to those who called to report the incident. ACRES also commended the public for returning to the shore later to ensure no other terrapins were overlooked. As red-eared sliders are freshwater animals, they had to be rescued from the saltwater at West Coast Park, as exposure to it could have resulted in severe dehydration and a painful death.
Although ACRES typically does not rescue red-eared slider terrapins, in this case, they stepped in to prevent potential suffering. Red-eared sliders are common and legal pets in Singapore, often sold for as little as S$2 to S$6. Despite their low purchase price, these terrapins require specialized care, including suitable housing, a water filtration system, and a basking platform for them to dry their shells.
ACRES advocates against the import and sale of red-eared sliders due to the welfare concerns associated with their long-term care. Pet owners should avoid releasing these animals into the wild, as they may not survive in their natural environment and could harm native species. Red-eared sliders are not native to Singapore and are considered one of the most invasive species globally.
In Singapore, releasing pets into the wild is illegal under the Animals and Birds Act, with first-time offenders facing up to 12 months in prison, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both, and subsequent offenders facing up to 2 years in jail, a fine of up to S$20,000, or both.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
