Physalus offers to help rehabilitate, improve living conditions of turtles

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  – Physalus, a non-profit organization founded in Italy with a marine conservation project in the Philippines, recently met with officials of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office II (CENRO II) to discuss ways on how to help rehabilitate four endangered sea turtles bred in captivity for more than 20 years at a facility in Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental.

The Physalus, which initiated in 2010 its Bohol-based Large Marine Vertebrates (LAMAVE) Project-Philippines and headed by Dr. Alessandro Ponzo, had shown interest in the sea turtles at the Oceanarium of the Mina Undersea World in Zamboanguita town after recent media reports showed the current “dismal” state the animals were in.

Ponzo, accompanied by marine biologists Elson Aca and Kristina Pahang, and professional underwater photographer/ videographer and environmentalist Steve de Neef, met with CENRO II chief Mario Aragon and Wildlife Protection section supervisor Oscar Mongcopa for talks on possible strategies to rehabilitate the turtles.

The turtles at the Oceanarium—two green sea and two hawksbill species—are classified endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. They have been in captivity for more than two decades.

The turtles, while legitimately owned by the operators of the Oceanarium for having permits from the DENR, need to be reassessed for their current health state, said Ponzo.

Ponzo and his team have offered to provide technical assistance as well as educational and information campaign materials once a plan is set with facility operators, Zamboanguita LGU and CENRO II.

The Zamboanguita LGU, headed by Mayor Kit Mark Adanza, recently allocated fund for the expansion of the swimming tank of the turtles following news reports on the sad conditions of the reptiles, unhealthy feeding and handling practices.

The LAMAVE group and CENRO II officials eventually set a meeting with Mayor Adanza and representatives of the Oceanarium management to initially tackle possible venues in providing better living conditions for the turtles.

While Ponzo and his team are more inclined towards the release of the turtles back to the sea, they said the final decision would remain with the owners of the facility and the local government. Either way, LAMAVE will be giving its full support, Ponzo said.

Steve de Neef, for his part, said some people from the private sector would be willing to extend help once a clear-cut plan of action is made for the endangered sea turtles.

Oscar Mongcopa said CENRO II welcomes and is grateful for the offer of help by the LAMAVE.