A striated tortoise (orbicularis emys), a species considered “Endangered” in our country, was the 10.000th animal released into the wild by RIAS – Center for the Recovery and Research of Wild Animals. This important milestone was reached on the 6th of May, the day on which the Ria Formosa Natural Park (PNRF), where the RIAS has its facilities, completed 45 years.
The release of the turtle took place within the scope of the PNRF Open Day, in which the doors of Quinta de Marim, in Olhão, were open to the population, who could enjoy various activities.
In addition to the European tortoise, which will remain associated with the history of the RIAS, the center released another five animals of this genus, this time Mediterranean tortoises (Mauremys leprosa) «which joined the RIAS for various reasons, three of which reptiles arrived with signs of illegal captivity».
During most of the 6th of May, the RIAS Environmental Interpretation Center was open to visitors.
«Since 2009 we have received more than 22.000 animals, of which 17.000 live. With these, we did our best to make the recovery run as smoothly as possible, culminating in their return to nature», revealed the center.
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