Theft of Rare Turtles in Nessebar

The night of September 10th to 11th was marked by a heavy loss for the only Turtle Rescue Center in Bulgaria, located in the Nesebar village of Banja.

According to a social media post, 20 newly hatched turtles, representing five different species: Geochelone elegans, Stygmochelys pardalis, Centrochelys sulcata, Malacochersus tornieri and Astrochelys radiata, were stolen from the center. Each of the small turtles is about 5 centimeters in size.

The center's staff are shocked by the outrage. The little ones represent a rare and valuable genetic pool, and their theft is a serious blow to the center's activities. Many efforts are currently underway to find them. The sad thing is that the probable theft has deprived the center not only of animals, but also of years of care and effort for the preservation of these species.

The management of the Rescue Center has made a special request to the public for assistance. "Please, if you encounter anywhere on the internet newly hatched turtles (about 5 cm) of the species Geochelone elegans, Stygmochelys pardalis, Centrochelys sulcata, Malacochersus tornieri and Astrochelys radiata being sold, send information so we can check", says the appeal published online. The hope is that with the help of citizens, the turtles will be found and returned to the center.

For now, it is assumed that the theft was committed by a visitor to the center. This assumption is based on the team's internal investigations. A report on the incident has been filed with the police, which has notified the competent authorities. The investigation is ongoing.

The silence that has enveloped the usually lively center speaks for itself. The unusual quiet is broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant noise from the village, contrasting sharply with the otherwise lively life in the protected area. The team of the Rescue Center, visibly emotionally affected, is focused on the next steps to find the stolen turtles. The hope is that with joint efforts, these rare animals will be returned to a safe place.