Ocean Park Hong Kong today announced the official opening of its new Freshwater Turtle Conservation and Breeding Centre with sponsorship support from Regina Miracle International (Holdings) Limited, addressing a critical gap in Hong Kong’s wildlife protection.
As the city’s native freshwater turtles face an unprecedented crisis from illegal poaching and habitat loss, the Centre provides a secure sanctuary to house confiscated freshwater turtles, expand genetic diversity through expert breeding, and conduct ecological research. These combined efforts are crucial for the long-term goal of reintroducing healthy populations back into their native habitats.
“We are immensely grateful to Regina Miracle International (Holdings) Limited, a trusted partner whose support over the past ten years has been instrumental in advancing our conservation and education efforts in safeguarding Hong Kong’s biodiversity,” said Ivan Wong, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation. “The latest collaboration allows us to scale up breeding programmes for local freshwater turtles at a dedicated facility, while establishing a platform for the public education.”
“We are proud to deepen our decade-long partnership with Ocean Park, extending our support from the annual charity run to this cornerstone conservation project,” said Antony Yiu, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of Regina Miracle International (Holdings) Limited. “Regina Miracle’s sustainability mission is built on driving positive impact for both our community and the planet. Our support for this new Freshwater Turtle Conservation and Breeding Centre reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring the preservation of local ecosystems and nurturing a sustainable, biodiverse future.”
Ocean Park’s field efforts in freshwater turtle conservation
Freshwater turtles serve as vital contributors to ecological balance in Hong Kong’s stream ecosystems, acting as both “clean-up crews” and “seed dispersers” that maintain water quality and vegetation health along riverbanks. Experts estimate that Hong Kong’s secluded streams hold what may be the very last viable populations of these species in the entire South China region. Yet, iconic native species such as the endangered Beale’s eyed turtle and the critically endangered big-headed turtle are on the brink of local extinction due to rampant poaching, habitat destruction and competition from invasive species.
Ocean Park’s dedication to freshwater turtle conservation dates back to 2018. In partnership with the Hong Kong Society of Herpetology Foundation and with support from Lingnan University, the Park has played a pivotal role in the care and propagation of the Beale’s eyed turtle, whose wild population in Hong Kong has plummeted to fewer than 100 individuals. This intensive breeding programme has already successfully hatched 17 juveniles at Ocean Park since 2020. Building on this success, the Park aims to expand its efforts and commence a new breeding programme for big-headed turtles soon, with the ultimate goal to eventually release park-bred turtles to help restore their natural populations in Hong Kong.
Apart from breeding, Ocean Park also serves as a rescue sanctuary, rehabilitating over 20 confiscated freshwater turtles received from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
New educational programme to inspire action
To complement these field conservation efforts, the sponsorship empowers Ocean Park to expand its educational outreach. The public will soon have the opportunity to join Pay-As-You-Go tours of the Freshwater Turtle Conservation and Breeding Centre. These tours will offer visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work being done, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges these turtles face and inspiring individual action towards their protection.