Who is responsible for smuggling of turtles?

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Who is responsible for smuggling of turtles?
by Aaditya Singh \| 12-07-2013 15:08 0
I read this article about the rescue of 2000 turtles in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. While I am very happy about the fact that the poor animals were rescued, I am also very disappointed to note that people snatch the freedom from these helpless creatures for the sake of making money. But I am also forced to think about the root cause of these illegal actions. Why do you think these turtles were being smuggled? Is it not because many people keep turtles as pets or because we visit the zoos to see wild animals. Most likely these animals were being taken to be sold off to zoos, pet shops, pet shows, circuses etc. So, are we not all in some way responsible for the smuggling of these animals? We may treat a turtle very well if we get one as a pet at our home, but is it fair to the animal? Even if we are kind to it, it is cruel to separate it from its habitat and keep it confined in our home. As long as we continue to keep turtles or any other wild animals as pets, poachers will keep trying to smuggle them for easy money. I have visited many zoos. In fact a visit to the zoo is always on the agenda, whenever we visit a new city or a new country. Does that not mean that I too in some way have contributed to someone capturing these animals and selling it to the zoo? As I think this, I am not sure if I would like to visit a zoo again. While I see some zoos and wild life centres where the animals are kept in almost natural surroundings, some others are cramped and shabby. Even if their quarters are well maintained, they are still prisons for them. I feel that it is not right to bring animals from the wild and keep them in zoos for our amusement and education. We must ensure that we avoid engaging in sale and purchase of animals from the wild. Only then the poachers will be discouraged to catch them for profits. Please refer to the link & the attached image on the website below- http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/2000-turtles-rescued-released-in-kolleru-lake/article4826293.ece

Youth Aaditya Singh

24 Comments

says :
thank you for sharing
Posted 23-08-2013 14:11

says :
thx for the report...indeed an issue..
Posted 08-08-2013 18:57

says :
ya its really a horrible truth of india............
Posted 28-07-2013 23:24

says :
great thoughts!
Posted 22-07-2013 21:28

says :
something like this often happen, sadly it is in my country too :(
Posted 20-07-2013 10:24

Aaditya Singh

Aaditya Singh says :
Thank you friends for acknowledging. It is sad that poachers continue smuggling defenseless creatures for profits. Of course there are punishments if they are caught doing this illegal act but the attraction of the money is more than the fear of punishment. So long as people like us keep seeking these animals, the poachers will keep getting money for kidnapping the animals...
Posted 20-07-2013 00:58

Arushi Madan says :
Well said , why use such beautiful creature for entertainment , leisure ....
Posted 20-07-2013 00:40

says :
there should be some legal actions for these kind of smuggling
Posted 19-07-2013 22:39

says :
great post
Posted 19-07-2013 22:26

says :
nice article
Posted 18-07-2013 22:49

says :
it's really not so wise the illegal selling of turtle.nice thoughts
Posted 18-07-2013 03:02

says :
yes,Aditya such a beautiful creature should n't be entertained for selfish motives,,
Posted 17-07-2013 13:03

Aaditya Singh

Aaditya Singh says :
Thanks friends for acknowledging.
Shyrra- You are right. How some people forget to think, how we would feel if we were whisked away in gunny bags away from our homes, to be put in cages.
Christy- Yes, we too are responsible in some way in promoting this trade. I guess, it needs to change. When I was small I saw parrots in cages and fish in tanks in peoples homes. I also wanted a pet for myself. My Mom always told me to think how I would feel if a lion or a giraffe separated me from her and put me in a cage in it's cave or forest! Now I understand and donot ask for a pet anymore. I think it is fine to have domestic animals as pets but not the wild ones.
Posted 17-07-2013 03:48