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The community banded together to help save the animals Photograph: (Facebook/Turtle Survival Alliance)
A southern Madagascar community has come together to save thousands of critically endangered tortoises swept away from their sanctuary by severe flooding from Cyclone Dikeledi earlier this month.
The Lavavolo Tortoise Center, housing tortoises rescued from illegal wildlife traffickers, was hit by floodwaters over a meter (3.2 feet) high in mid-January. The sanctuary’s 12,000 radiated and spider tortoises, many 25 to 50 years old, were carried away by the strong currents, leaving them swimming for their lives.
In response, sanctuary staff, local residents, and police launched a massive rescue mission. Volunteers waded through the water with large containers, collecting the displaced tortoises. Some rescuers turned damaged building materials into makeshift rafts to transport the animals safely.
Hery Razafimamonjiraibe, Madagascar director for the Turtle Survival Alliance, which runs the sanctuary, said they believe over 10,000 tortoises have been saved. However, an exact count is underway, as tortoises can move quickly and are not always cooperative.
Unfortunately, not all tortoises survived. Around 700 have been found dead, likely trapped by rocks and debris during the floods.
“Tortoises are good swimmers,” Razafimamonjiraibe said. “You should see them.”
Most tortoises have been returned to the sanctuary, but the floods damaged the center’s infrastructure. Lavavolo Tortoise Center underwent a major renovation in 2018 to house 10,000 radiated tortoises rescued from traffickers. Since then, more confiscated tortoises have arrived.
Radiated tortoises, native to Madagascar, are known for their yellow and black shell markings. They can grow up to 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) long and live over 100 years. One famous tortoise, reportedly gifted by British explorer Captain James Cook to the Tongan royal family in 1777, lived until 1966, reaching 188 years.
Both radiated and spider tortoises are critically endangered due to habitat destruction and poaching. They’re hunted for food or trafficked illegally as pets. According to the Turtle Survival Alliance, radiated tortoises once numbered in the tens of millions but have disappeared from 65% of their natural habitat in Madagascar.
Despite the cyclone’s impact, the rescue efforts highlight the local community’s determination to protect these rare tortoises. Conservationists are focused on rebuilding the sanctuary and ensuring the safety of its residents.
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