On 9^th April 2015, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) sent 14 of Radiated Tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) to the Perth Zoo in Western Australia to enter their conservation breeding programme for the species. The animals originated from two consignments seized by the Hong Kong Authorities in 2012 and 2013.

The Rescue Team packing tortoises into a specially designed animal shipment box

The Wild Animal Rescue Centre (Rescue Centre) at KFBG has been assisting the Government with temporary holding and care of the tortoises, and, in securing placement options in overseas conservation centres. In the past 5 years, the Rescue Centre has received over 200   Radiated Tortoises. The animals were believed to be illegally wild collected to supply the international exotic pet trade.

The Radiated Tortoise is native to the dry spiny forests of southern and southwestern Madagascar. The name of Radiated Tortoise comes from its yellow line marking radiating from the centre of the carapace.  Populations have been declining dramatically over the past 25 years due to habitat loss, over exploitation for the wildlife trade and being poached for food. This species is nationally protected under Malagasy law and has been listed on Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I (the most endangered category among CITES-listed animals). The protection category requires that no trade in wild caught specimens occurs.

The 14 Radiated Tortoises were selected to be sent to Perth Zoo and enter their existing conservation breeding programme. However, there are still many tortoises being cared for by the Rescue Team awaiting a suitable long term home.