Abdul Kadir (left) and Ho releasing a river terrapin to mark the launch of the awareness programme at Sunway Lagoon Wildlife Park. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
SUNWAY Lagoon has launched a “River Terrapin Conservation Awareness Programme” in conjunction with its Raya Cahaya Aidilfitri campaign this year.
In collaboration with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), Sunway Lagoon also unveiled its latest attraction dedicated to the conservation of the river terrapin.
Currently, there are four river terrapins at Sunway Lagoon Wildlife Park.
The programme aims to educate visitors on river terrapins, which have been listed as “critically endangered species”.
They are also listed as a protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
Visitors will learn about their physical characteristics and diet as well as factors that threaten their population. They will also learn the differences between turtles, terrapins and tortoises.
Sunway Theme Parks executive director Calvin Ho said they collaborated with Perhilitan as a continuous effort to curb the extinction of river terrapins.
“Our latest attraction would serve as an edutainment platform for visitors of the Wildlife Park.
“We want to send a clear message to families and children about river terrapins, as well as educate them on conservation awareness programmes,” he added.
He said conservation activities included egg collection, incubation and post-hatch care.
Currently, river terrapins can be found in Sungai Pinang in Kedah, Sungai Perak (Perak), as well as Sungai Terengganu and Sungai Dungun (Terengganu).
At the event, Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said they had three conservation centres for terrapins, adding that over 30,000 had been released into their natural habitat.
“Perhilitan will consistently implement conservation activities with local communities, non-governmental organisations and academicians.
“It is timely for a corporate sector to be involved in conservation activities and programmes.
“I hope these efforts will extend to other wildlife species,” he said.
