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Geomyda · 15-10-2013, 08:41 PM

Conference at Colchester Zoo brings hope for some of the world's most endangered
tortoises this November.

A conference organised by the Tortoise Welfare & Conservation Conference will take place at Colchester Zoo on 8th, 9th and 10th November. Due to loss of habitat, over collection for the pet trade and demand for local bush meat, many rare and beautiful turtles and tortoises that roam the planet face extinction within a decade without human intervention. Ryan Walker, specialist in Madagascan tortoises, will be speaking at the conference this November. Ryan will be giving a photo presentation of the plight of the unique Madagascan tortoises and sharing exclusive photographs taken from his three years of fieldwork. The talk is open to hobby conservationists and specialists alike.
Ryan’s talk is particularly special as it highlights Colchester Zoo’s three young Madagascan radiated Tortoises. It is hoped that this trio of customs seized tortoises from Hong Kong airport will help aid an international initiative to encourage captive assurance colonies, which may someday be releases back in to the wild. Exclusive speaker, Ross Kiester, chief scientist of American organisation The Turtle Conservancy, will be talking about the logistics of wild release and the current issues which surround illegal trafficking.
Other talks will include hospital reports and science research from the veterinary world, but in addition to speakers, practical information sessions for beginners and more advanced attendees in tortoise care and treatment has been scheduled to help share knowledge. "After a fun and successful first year with 130 people in attendance, we are proud to announce a new and improved second conference. We hope that practical days of learning and speakers such as Ryan Walker will encourage both professionals seeking experience and enthusiasts alike," says Eleanor Tirtasana.
The Tortoise Conference will take place at Colchester Zoo on the 8th, 9th and 10th November between 10.00 - 4.00pm and includes goodie bags, lunch and access to exclusive prizes in a fundraising raffle. Please note that pre booking is essential. To learn more about this event and book, please visit www.tortoisewelfare.co.uk or call 01692 402687.

15-10-2013, 08:41 PM	#4
Geomyda Senior Member Adult Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Surrey Posts: 2,094	Conference at Colchester Zoo brings hope for some of the world's most endangered tortoises this November. A conference organised by the Tortoise Welfare & Conservation Conference will take place at Colchester Zoo on 8th, 9th and 10th November. Due to loss of habitat, over collection for the pet trade and demand for local bush meat, many rare and beautiful turtles and tortoises that roam the planet face extinction within a decade without human intervention. Ryan Walker, specialist in Madagascan tortoises, will be speaking at the conference this November. Ryan will be giving a photo presentation of the plight of the unique Madagascan tortoises and sharing exclusive photographs taken from his three years of fieldwork. The talk is open to hobby conservationists and specialists alike. Ryan’s talk is particularly special as it highlights Colchester Zoo’s three young Madagascan radiated Tortoises. It is hoped that this trio of customs seized tortoises from Hong Kong airport will help aid an international initiative to encourage captive assurance colonies, which may someday be releases back in to the wild. Exclusive speaker, Ross Kiester, chief scientist of American organisation The Turtle Conservancy, will be talking about the logistics of wild release and the current issues which surround illegal trafficking. Other talks will include hospital reports and science research from the veterinary world, but in addition to speakers, practical information sessions for beginners and more advanced attendees in tortoise care and treatment has been scheduled to help share knowledge. "After a fun and successful first year with 130 people in attendance, we are proud to announce a new and improved second conference. We hope that practical days of learning and speakers such as Ryan Walker will encourage both professionals seeking experience and enthusiasts alike," says Eleanor Tirtasana. The Tortoise Conference will take place at Colchester Zoo on the 8th, 9th and 10th November between 10.00 - 4.00pm and includes goodie bags, lunch and access to exclusive prizes in a fundraising raffle. Please note that pre booking is essential. To learn more about this event and book, please visit www.tortoisewelfare.co.uk or call 01692 402687.