Cambodia's Royal Turtle lays eggs in captivity for first time

This handout photo taken on Jan 19, 2021 and released by the Wildlife Conservation Society on March 2, 2021 shows a conservationist measuring a royal turtle egg at the Koh Kong Reptile Conservation Center in Koh Kong province. - AFP

PHNOM PENH (AFP): An endangered turtle bred in captivity laid eggs for the first time in Cambodia, conservationists said this week, in a massive win for animal protection in the kingdom.

The animal was among five Royal Turtles -- once feared extinct in the country -- that laid more than 70 eggs.