New digs underway for rescued reptiles in Laos
Exciting construction is underway at our Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, with brand-new habitats for some of our lesser-known but equally important residents – rescued tortoises and freshwater turtles.
These new enclosures have been carefully designed to meet the specific needs of each species, thanks to the generous support and technical input of Nordens Ark.
The new tortoise enclosure will be home to impressed tortoises and elongated Tortoises, including two impressed tortoises recently rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
These two will stay in the new habitat while they complete their rehabilitation, with the goal of releasing them back to the wild during the wet season.
We are also developing two specialised aquatic habitats:
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Soft shell pond
This area will support Cantor’s giant softshell turtles, amyda softshell turtles and Chinese softshell turtles. The pool includes an artificial wetland system designed to naturally filter and clean the water, creating a healthier and more stable environment for these sensitive species. -
Freshwater turtle pond
This habitat will accommodate species such as big-headed turtles, keeled box turtles and Oldham’s leaf turtles, providing both land and water areas to reflect how these turtles live in the wild.
While we have more than 100 rescued bears in our care at Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, it is also a multi-species facility. We provide care, rehabilitation and, where possible, release opportunities for a range of threatened wildlife affected by the illegal trade.
These new reptile habitats are another step forward in strengthening that work, giving rescued animals the specialised environments they need to recover and, for some, a second chance in the wild.
Our reptilian residents are expected to move into their new homes within the next month once their quarantine periods are complete.
Stay tuned for more updates as they settle in.
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