MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A large number of tortoises from Harry Giddey Park have had to be euthanised by the Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) Mossel Bay branch.
This follows a handover of the tortoises by the Mossel Bay Municipality, which is the authority over the park, to the SPCA on 8 October.
GRSPCA Mossel Bay branch manager Elize Goosen said the SPCA had received a call to assist with the welfare of animals in Harry Giddey Park and "after thorough consultations with wildlife experts and veterinarians, it was concluded that, regrettably, a difficult decision had to be made to humanely euthanise the affected animals that tested positive for a contagious disease".
She said: "This was necessary to prevent the potential spread to wild populations of tortoises."
Removed
All of the animals in the park, including the tortoises and birds, have been or are in the process of being removed from the park by the SPCA, due to the park being closed for construction.
Leon Rossouw of the Wildlife Crime Information Network examines one of the tortoises at Harry Giddey Park. Photo: Mossel Bay MunicipalityAlthough they were asked, neither the municipality nor the SPCA confirmed the number of the euthanised tortoises.
However, another stakeholder present during the handover, Leon Rossouw of the Wildlife Crime Information Network (WCIN), said he had counted 53 animals: 29 leopard tortoises; 23 angulate tortoises and one marsh terrapin. Rossouw said he could not confirm how many were euthanised.
The municipality told Mossel Bay Advertiser that animals in the park had been brought there by members of the public following the vision of making the park an attraction.
It said that "during the years since the establishment of the park, CapeNature did routine visits, pertaining to the issuing of permits. These visits at times included training for members of the municipal park's team."
'Permit expired'
CapeNature spokesperson Luke Folb said, however, that the municipality previously had a captivity permit that listed tortoises, which expired in 2022.
"Standard conditions on captivity, among other things, include that a register be kept to reflect any changes in numbers and the nature of such a change. The permit holder is responsible for the welfare of the wild animals listed on the captivity permit and must ensure that there is sufficient space, shelter, water and food," said Folb.
An angulate tortoise that was at Harry Giddey Park. Photo: Mossel Bay Municipality
"The onus is on the permit holder to renew the permit if wild animals are still kept in captivity."
He added that CapeNature was not involved with the handover of the tortoises from Harry Giddey Park to the GRSPCA.
Other animals
The Advertiser asked the municipality and the GRSPCA how many tortoises were handed over, how many were euthanised, what other animals were kept at the park and how many were handed over but they did not respond to these questions.
The Advertiser also asked what condition the tortoises were in when they were handed over, but this query was not responded to.
The municipality had posted information on its Facebook page on 12 October about the handover as well as photographs of some of the tortoises.
It told the Advertiser that several years ago, the council resolved that Harry Giddey Park would undergo further development to turn it into an even greater attraction for the town's residents and visitors. Plans for the proposed development are still in the conceptual phase.
It said that until development plans are finalised and the construction process has been completed, Harry Giddey Park will not house animals or birds.
A leopard tortoise that was housed at Harry Giddey Park. Photo: Mossel Bay Municipality
It added that with construction processes under way, the "animals and birds in the park became stressed, which in some resulted in illness".
'Consultation'
"Following consultation with valued partners, including the SPCA and other experts, it was decided to act in the best interest of the park's existing resident animals and birds and, therefore, to relocate them.
"Earlier in October, following discussions between the SPCA and Mossel Bay Municipality and site visits, it was decided to remove the tortoises.
"Following treatment and rehabilitation where possible, the tortoises were to be released back into their natural environment," said the municipality.
Goosen says the GRSPCA has been working closely with park staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all animals and birds and the handover of all animals followed a mutual agreement.
She says the SPCA is committed to rehoming all animals - either back into their natural habitats or to approved facilities, where they will receive the care they deserve.
'Correct procedures'
"We emphasise the importance of leaving wild animals in their natural environments. If you encounter a wild animal in need, please contact us to ensure that the correct procedures are followed. The SPCA opposes the keeping of animals in enclosures and views this as a positive opportunity to enable these animals to have the freedom they deserve," said Goosen.
Contact the SPCA (044 693 0824) or WCIN (079 643 9556) to find out the correct procedure in handing over animals.
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