Rare albino terrapins rescued from waters off West Coast Park; ACRES warns saltwater can kill

Five rare albino red-eared slider terrapins have been rescued after being found near seawater at West Coast Park on Sept 27.

Responding to AsiaOne's queries, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) said it was alerted to the incident at about 11am after members of the public alerted its Wildlife Rescue Hotline.

ACRES added that the terrapins were generally healthy, but were found with old lesions, shell damage, healed ulcers and a broken nail. 

"They are not adapted to living in seawater. If left in the sea, prolonged exposure to salt water can cause severe dehydration and eventually death," said the animal welfare group. 

Although ACRES said it does not typically rescue or take in red-eared slider terrapins, it intervened in this case to secure the animals and prevent further harm and suffering.

The terrapins have since been determined to be healthy, and ACRES is currently seeking adopters for them. 

Public urged not to release unwanted pets

ACRES said red-eared sliders should not be released into Singapore's natural environment when owners can no longer care for them. Instead, owners should seek appropriate help or rehoming options.

"As pets, they may not have the ability to survive independently in the environment, and releasing them can expose them to injury, starvation and other risks," it said. 

ACRES added that abandoning such animals is also illegal in Singapore under the Wildlife Act, with those convicted facing a fine of up to S$5,000.

AsiaOne has reached out to NParks for comment. 

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xingying.koh@asiaone.com