A neighbor from the city of San Juan made the decision to voluntarily surrender nine land turtles (Chelonoidis chilensis), six males and three females, along with three eggs, to the Secretariat of the Environment. These animals were raised in captivity for approximately 50 years, reproducing over time.
After being handed over to the Conservation Directorate team, the turtles were transported to a specialized veterinarian, where Dr. Aldo Olivares evaluated their health status and determined that they are in good condition.
From now on, they will be examined to determine their possible reintegration into a suitable habitat. For this, they will go through a quarantine period and subsequently undergo a rehabilitation process with the aim of assessing their return to a natural environment.
## Land Turtles: an endangered species and the relevance of voluntary surrender
The Argentine land turtle is a species distributed in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, categorized as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are declining due to poaching and illegal trade, mainly for use as pets.
Many people acquire wildlife without knowing environmental laws or the negative effects this generates on biodiversity. The Secretariat of the Environment reminds that having these animals at home is not only illegal but also compromises their well-being and survival.
If someone has a wild animal at home, they can voluntarily surrender it to ensure its recovery and avoid further damage to the ecosystem.
For more information, interested parties can contact the Secretariat of the Environment at telephone 4305057 or via WhatsApp at 264 4305057.
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