confiscated turtles (2016)

[Marnix Hoekstra]

Message from the European Studbook Foundation:

ESF ANIMALS
Since 2002, the ESF participates in the care of confiscated turtles in Asia. These animals are imported from the Rescue center of Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden (KFBG) in Hong Kong by the Turtle Survival Alliance- Europe (TSA) in Europe.
Despite the very long administrative procedure, the animals became mostly owned within 6-8 months of the ESF, who placed them with studbook participants.
The last reception of confiscated turtles took place in the autumn of 2014. At the end of 2014 Hong Kong asked again if there was interest in receiving 15 different turtle species. To take care of these species had registered many turtles holders. Because of policy issues in Hong Kong the import into Europe could not be achieved within a normal procedure time. The ESF plays no role in this situation and has to wait and see if and what animals finally are available for reception in Europe.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong apparently decides per species in 2016 if and when transfer is possible to Europe. Currently is taking place the administrative processing of exports from Hong Kong and import in Europe / Netherlands of GEOCLEMYS HAMILTONII.
Today, the ESF also received the question whether specimen of HEOSEMYS GRANDIS and CUORA AMBOÏNENESIS can be transferred.
If you are interested in these species and have accommodation than we invite you to contact us very quick through our website links.